Former Olympian and Narromine product Melinda Gainsford-Taylor has expressed her love for the facilities at DCL Park and believes it has the potential to help more of the region’s athletes reach the pinnacle of the sport.
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The Commonwealth Games silver and bronze medalist ran a coaching clinic at the facility on Sunday for about 50 young athletes and said it was better than some facilities in Sydney.
“I must admit, I drove up and thought it was amazing. I’m sure all these wonderful athletes would appreciate how lucky they are too,” she said.
“Last time I was here it was just an oval, when I did my last clinic in 2002. I was a bit worried about the weather but the stands are so amazing that it doesn’t matter.
“I could have still done 100 different things with them if the weather was bad.”
Gainsford-Taylor said she was so excited to be back around her home territory and said the aim of the clinic was to teach them some important fundamentals.
“I’m so excited by the turnout, they are a great group of kids and we’re having a lot of fun. I really miss living out here so it’s great to get back out here,” she said.
“I’ve done a lot of technique work with them. If you have good technique you will be more efficient and if you can teach that early it will set them up for the rest of their life.
“Also lot of speed and agility. Everything from warming up to recovery and even looking at setting goals, what you want to do, and tick them off.”
Gainsford-Taylor said the number one message she had for regional children was that she was a country kid who dreamed of being an Olympian and her success should show everyone it is possible.
“Not everyone who is here today is a track athlete. No matter what sport they do, running is so important and sprinting is so important,” she said.
“I really want to help them because there are some tips and techniques that they can learn that can make a massive difference. And they are so young that they can pick them up easily.”
Asked if she would consider doing more courses in regional areas, the former Olympian said it was one of her biggest goals.
“I would love to do more. I would love to travel round and if I could get a sponsor it would make it easier to do it and reduce the cost,” Gainsford-Taylor said.
“I would love to bring coaches out for it.
“I could also then find out who is keen and take them back to Sydney for more extensive camps.
“It’s definitely one of my goals to get out to country areas more often.”
Gainsford-Taylor said she wanted to thank Dubbo Regional Council and Dubbo Little Athletics for making her visit possible.