Paddy Martin: Chasing Stawell Gift Glory with the POD Squad

Date: 9th March 2025

For Paddy Martin, the Powercor Stawell Gift is more than just a race, it’s part of his family’s legacy. The Ballarat sprinter has been going to Stawell since childhood, watching the finals from the grandstand, dreaming of one day stepping onto Central Park’s famous track.

“Dad was a pro runner back in the day and made two Stawell Gift finals. I grew up listening to the silence of the crowd when the gun was about to go off, imagining myself in a final one day.” Now, he’s closer than ever to making that dream a reality.

Building Towards Stawell Success

In 2023, Martin claimed victory in the prestigious Bill McManus 400m Backmarkers at Stawell. This year, his focus is on the 120m.

“Winning the Stawell Gift is the pinnacle of a pro runner’s career. I’ve put in the work, and I’ll be putting my best foot forward,” said Paddy.

It hasn’t been a smooth road. He battled a hamstring injury early in the season, but with patience and hard work, he’s found form at the right time.

“After the hamstring injury just before the season started, I was lucky enough to make a 70m final at the Bay Sheffield under the lights at Colley Reserve which was special. In January I was able to hit some form and win the Frankston Gift 70m and 100m! 

“In late January I ran a 400m PB of 46.8 in Canberra and was then selected for the 4×400 Australian relay camp in early February. I was recently placed second in the 400m at the State Championships too.”

Now, with six weeks to go until Stawell, he’s shifting focus to speed training, ensuring he’s in peak condition for Easter.

The POD Squad effect: winning and having fun

Paddy is part of the influential POD Squad, led by Peter O’Dwyer and Dan Martin. The group has developed a winning culture while fostering an inclusive and fun environment.

“We’ve got a diverse, welcoming squad, and the knowledge from Pete and Dan pushes us to work hard for our goals. The facilities at Ballarat Grammar and guidance from senior athletes help us get the best out of ourselves.”

Pro running is a family affair for Martin. His father, Tony, was a Stawell Gift finalist in 1993 and 1998, training under the late Len Templar, a coaching great whom Paddy still admires. His cousins, Halle (Lorraine Donnan 400m winner last year) and Talia Martin (Women’s Gift winner 2016) are also sprinting talents, with their dad and coach Dan Martin being Paddy’s uncle.

Balancing life and running

“Pro running is a massive part in my life, I’ve made so many great mates through the sport,” Paddy shared.

“The atmosphere is something different, something you don’t get in the ammos. The best part about it is that it’s for everyone. We’ve got so many veterans in our group who just love rocking up and running. It brings everyone together.”

Away from the track, Martin has recently finished his apprenticeship as an electrician. When he’s not sprinting, you’ll find him on the golf course or enjoying a pub feed with his mates.

This year’s Powercor Stawell Gift is set to be one of the highest profile in recent years, with emerging young sprint talent Gout Gout confirmed to race.

“It’s going to be great for the sport! He’ll bring crowds in, and it would be an awesome challenge to line up against him,” Paddy enthused.

Looking ahead

Regardless of this year’s Stawell result, Paddy’s sights are set on the future.

“Next year, I’ll be locking in on my 400m training. This season has given me so much confidence, and I’ll be aiming for some big goals.”

With natural talent, a strong support network, and the legendary POD Squad behind him, Martin is one to watch as he takes on the 2025 Powercor Stawell Gift and beyond.

Main photo credit: Neil Jameson Photography

Below: Supplied by P Martin

 

 

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