Lexi brings strong form and experience back to Stawell

Date: 18th March 2025

Alexia Loizou knows what it takes to win the Powercor Stawell Gift – she’s done it before. The 2019 Women’s Gift champion is back at Central Park this Easter, bringing with her some strong form and a quiet determination to chase history.

Since her breakthrough victory in Stawell five years ago, Lexi has continued to evolve as an athlete. This season, she has been focused on her 400m track racing, setting a new personal best of 53.3 while claiming the Victorian State Championship title in February. 

“I’ve been focused on my track 400s, and it’s been an amazing season,” she said. “I also raced my first international event in New Zealand and won the Rye Gift in 13.4 seconds. It’s been so fun and beneficial to make my way back to grass to support my track goals.”

The Rye Gift win in January was Lexi’s fastest time over 120m, standing her in good stead for the Powercor Women’s Gift in April. With only one woman in history, Sue Carr, having won the Women’s Gift twice, Alexia has a rare opportunity to etch her name even deeper into the event’s history.

“I’m a big believer in trusting the process and my coach Matt Carter,” she said. “If everything goes to plan and my mindset is in the best position it can be, I am giving myself the best chance possible to execute some competitive races.”

For Lexi, winning at Stawell in 2019 was a life-changing moment.

“It means everything to me,” she said. “It was one of the best days of my life, and it was so special to share the win with my family and my coach. We worked so hard to achieve that win.”

While she remains committed to her athletics career, Lexi also juggles a demanding full-time role as an emergency department nurse. Recently promoted to Equipment Coordinator, she balances her professional and athletic commitments with unwavering passion.

“Yes, I’m still nursing! I work in a very busy emergency department,” she said. “It’s a lot to manage, but I absolutely love my job, and I’m so lucky to have the support of my workplace.”

With a strong season behind her and the potential for a competitive handicap, Lexi could be a real threat at Stawell 2025. But for now, she remains focused on the challenge ahead.

“I don’t know what my handicap will be yet, we’ll wait and see!” said the understated former champion.

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