NORMLESS

#11 Melinda Gainsford-Taylor: Olympic Dreams

Episode Summary

Melinda Gainsford-Taylor is a three time Olympian, but most importantly a mother and wife to her beautiful family. Having grown up in Narromine Western NSW, Mel started running at the age of 9 before she was scouted by legendary Olympic coach Jackie Byrnes. She was forced to move to St Vincent's in Pott's Point Sydney if she wanted to progress her running career. This wasn't the only hurdle Mel faced throughout her time as an elite track athlete, but despite her humble and gracious nature, Mel had a strong tenacity to overcome all that stood within her path to greatness. She tasted success at the age of just 14, where she was ranked #1 in the world for the 100m sprint in her age category. Mel was the first Australian athlete to win back to back national sprint crowns, winning 5 in total including 1992, 1993, 1995, 1997 and 1998. She has the fastest time ever for an Australian in the 200m sprint with a time of 22.23 seconds run in Germany in 1997. Furthermore, she holds a 20 year long standing record in the 100m sprint by and Australian female with a time of 11.12 seconds in Italy 1994. Sydney was an incredible year for Melinda, winning Sports Personality of the year in March 2000 at the NSW Sports awards. she anchored the Australian 4x100m to gold and a new Australian record at the inaugural test series in South Africa. Voted as female captain for the 2000 Olympic games in Sydney, finishing 5th in the 200m final having returned from a potentially career ending injury.

Episode Notes

Mel was the first Australian athlete to win back to back national sprint crowns, winning 5 in total including 1992, 1993, 1995, 1997 and 1998. She has the fastest time ever for an Australian in the 200m sprint with a time of 22.23 seconds run in Germany in 1997. Furthermore, she holds a 20 year long standing record in the 100m sprint by and Australian female with a time of 11.12 seconds in Italy 1994.

Sydney was an incredible year for Melinda, winning Sports Personality of the year in March 2000 at the NSW Sports awards. she anchored the Australian 4x100m to gold and a new Australian record at the inaugural test series in South Africa. Voted as female captain for the 2000 Olympic games in Sydney, finishing 5th in the 200m final having returned from a potentially career ending injury.

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Mel's Links

Mel GT Speed Clinics: https://melgt.com.au/

Watch Sydney 2000, round 2 of the Women's 200m sprint: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3QP2ZcCdyw

Melinda World Athletics Profile: https://worldathletics.org/athletes/australia/melinda-gainsford-taylor-14272084

Find Mel on Instagram & Facebook

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