Former Olympic and Commonwealth Games official Richard Lawysz made the Victorian Sport Awards finals recently. The Geelong Athletics Centre interim president speaks to Luke Voogt as he leads the organisation’s COVID-19 recovery.
Tell us about you…
I live in Geelong West, and was born and raised in Geelong to parents who migrated from Poland after World War II.
I attended St Joseph’s College where I excelled at athletics, especially sprinting.
I studied civil engineering at The Gordon and worked for the then Victorian Railways.
I’ve retired but that has only allowed more time for athletics, which is now my full-time interest!
I like gardening – although I’m not very good, cycling, spending time with family, travel and, of course, athletics.
I first registered as an athlete with St Joseph’s in 1964 and became a technical official in 1980.
I have been involved at all levels – local, national and international.
What has motivated you as an official for 41 years?
I love supporting up-and-coming athletes, and helping to shape how athletics competition in Australia changes.
I want to pass on knowledge to local, state and national officials to ensure we have some of the best in the world.
I’m still involved as a high jump coach and was very fortunate to guide 2016 Olympian Joel Baden through his early involvement in the sport.
What are the highlights?
I was officiating at women’s pole vault final when Tatiana Gregorieva won a silver medal and when Cathy Freeman won the 400 metres gold at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
I didn’t need to watch the race – I couldn’t while officiating – but I could hear it! There was a wave of sound as they ran.
I was privileged and humbled to be an official at five consecutive Commonwealth Games from 2002 to 2018, along with two world championships.
I was a Commonwealth Games baton bearer for Geelong in 2017, I’m a life member of Athletics Australia and I’ve won Official of the Year with them and Vic Sport.
My recent nomination for Volunteer of the Year at the Victorian Sport Awards has given me an opportunity to put athletics at the forefront.
It recognises our valued officials and club helpers who have put on competitions in a challenging COVID environment.
What do you like to do locally?
On the weekend you’ll find me walking down Pakington Street to get a coffee at Three Little Figs or on a bike track.
For family dinner occasions, you’ll find me at El Toros for pizza.
How are you coping with COVID-19?
Geelong was very fortunate that council opened Landy Field during the COVID-19 with, at times, very stringent COVID-safe practices, which enabled athletes to train.
Local athletes have been great in adapting to the changing COVID-19 landscape. But, all in all, it’s been difficult.
We’ve had to learn how to reshape athletics to ensure everyone is safe and, as officials, we had to ensure that we could continue to offer meets to ensure Olympic qualification.
We’ve been fortunate that we’ve been able to compete, unlike other countries.
What’s something interesting about you that people might not know?
I’m a Geelong supporter through and through, and you’ll find me at almost all of the home games – if I’m not officiating at athletics!
