Honouring a legend: George Nelson at a celebratory lunch at Rumbalara Football Netball Club last June.
Photo by
Max Stainkamph
From Noel Hussey to Glenn Crawford, the Goulburn Valley region is filled with a rich history of iconic runners who have made a name for themselves on the national stage.
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But when it comes to who has had the biggest impact on the sport, there is simply no going past the great George Nelson.
A proud Yorta Yorta man — who died in January — the tales of Nelson tearing up the track are legendary, as he was one of very few athletes who were able to win races over short, middle and long distances.
However, it was the work he did away from the track that was arguably more profound, as he trained countless runners across the region, with his dedication and experience helping so many climb to great heights.
During his career Nelson either won or placed at more than 30 esteemed state title races as an athlete and mentor, with the most famous of those victories coming in 1964 when he trained Hussey to a memorable Stawell Gift triumph.
For someone who had achieved so much during his career, much of his exploits are unknown throughout the district community.
Which is something Shepparton Athletics Club and Victorian Athletics League are now trying to change.
The Shepparton Gift, a race which Nelson was heavily involved with during his journey, is returning after a 23-year hiatus and the committee that brought it back made the decision to name the race in his honour.
For Nelson’s children Robynne and George Jr, this move came as an incredibly touching tribute, as they strive to see their father’s achievements recognised on a larger scale.
Continuing the legacy: Daughter Robynne and the entire Nelson family are thrilled to have the Shepparton Gift named after George.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
“For me and my brother we are really excited and proud of Dad,” Robynne said.
“Having seen how hard he worked throughout his life in training others and training himself and his dedication to the Victorian Athletics League as a proud Yorta Yorta man it is great to see him recognised.
“He has never really had this recognition before, so for this to happen it gives us a great sense of pride.”
For the Nelson family there will be an element of sadness associated with the day.
And that stems from the fact George will not be there to witness the top runners the state has to offer battle it out for a gift named in his honour.
Powering to victory: George Nelson wins the Maryborough Gift in 1963.
“We had a bit of an idea this might be coming before Dad passed,” Robynne said.
“Having only just passed on January 17, it was a great loss for us as a family, he has been our leader and knowledge keeper for so long.
“So it is sad for us that it is happening now after he has passed, but we did tell him prior that this was a chance of happening.
“And in his usual modest way, he thought he wasn’t worthy of this honour, but now he doesn’t have any say and the community can respect him for the calibre of runner and person he was.”
Growing up around the running tracks George so elegantly graced, Robynne got a first-hand look into just how special an athlete her father was.
She recalled the memories of watching him in full-flight.
“Dad started running on his 21st birthday, he threw away cigarettes and started running and didn’t stop for over 50 years,” she said.
“He was a sprinter, a distance runner and a trainer, so he had success over all three disciplines and as a kid this is all I grew up around.
“We spent all our time as kids going to every single running meet, from New Year’s Day at Maryborough to Boxing Day at Echuca, over the journey he won the Bendigo Mile which is a very prestigious race.
“Although he never won it himself he trained Noel Hussey to win the Stawell Gift and as the old story goes he was beating Noel in the practice runs prior to the race .
“In full flight he was an incredible runner and the fact that we successful over so many disciplines it was quite a remarkable career, everybody would always say they loved watching him run.”
What a win: George Nelson celebrates a win over 880m at Stawell in 1957.
With the memories of her father tearing up the track so vividly etched in her mind, Robynne and her family will head to Shepparton Showgrounds on Saturday, March 18 brimming with pride and emotion.
“We will be there watching and cheering on the runners like Dad did,” she said.
“I will be so proud, but at the same time I don’t think I will stop crying that day, that is how special it will be.
“Dad only passed six weeks ago, so to stand here knowing something like this is named after him, it is going to be a very emotional and proud day as I will get to see more people become aware of just how great he was.”
To read more about George Nelson’s legendary story, click the link below to read the book written by himself and Robynne.
