Sue Carr: 30 Years Since a Historic Second Stawell Gift Victory

Date: 5th March 2025

In 1995, Sue Carr etched her name into the record books as the first and only woman to win the Women’s Stawell Gift twice. Now, 30 years later, she reflects on her historic achievement, her lifelong connection to the Stawell Gift, and the evolution of women’s sprinting at the iconic Easter event.

A Family Legacy Fulfilled

For Sue Carr, Stawell was more than just a race; it was a lifelong dream tied to family history. Her father, Jack Carr, won the 1957 Stawell Gift, and Sue spent her childhood travelling to Victorian Athletic League (VAL) meetings with him, immersed in the culture of professional running and watching her father train and mentor athletes.

“My father was well connected having been a guest commentator on the tv every Easter, and a longtime friend of the late John Toleman so I got along to so many wonderful events. I remember running laps at the Bendigo Gift with Warren Edmondson and watching the wins of Jean-Louis Ravelomanantsoa and George McNeill to name a few. 

“I had watched so many Stawell Gift finals from the grandstand praying for a win from one of my dad’s runners – Paul McNamara (RIP), Graeme MacQualtar (RIP), Colin Burnett, Tim Burgess, Mark Mulqueen, Dean Carr – years of fun, laughs and heartbreak too,” she recalled.

“After getting so close so many times, we often left Central Park on Easter Monday disappointed. So when women’s running commenced in 1989, I thought it was up to me to win a Stawell sash for my dad.”

In 1991, just two years after women were first allowed to compete, Sue did just that – securing her first Strickland Family Women’s Gift victory, the year that Steve Brimacombe won the Mens Gift. Four years later, in 1995, she triumphed again, cementing her place in history as the only dual champion in the Women’s Gift.

A New Era for Women’s Running at Stawell

The introduction of women’s events in 1989 marked a pivotal moment for Stawell, and Sue was at the forefront of this transformation. Inspired by Nicky Coughlin, a pioneering female sprinter from Bendigo who competed against men, Sue took up running despite having no recent experience in athletics. With determination and strategic planning, she structured her training to win in both 1991 and 1995.

Reflecting on those early years, she acknowledges the advantages runners had at the time. “It was way easier to win back then. Handicaps were generous, and amateur girls weren’t able to compete. The VAL was part of my life, so I was pretty familiar with how to get a winning handicap.”

Her second win in 1995 was partly influenced by the arrival of Cathy Freeman, whose participation in the 100m and 400m led to handicap adjustments for the other runners. “That was the key for me to win my second Women’s Gift – a generous handicap and a lifelong passion and commitment to winning at Stawell.”

The Evolution of Women’s Sprinting

The prizemoney for women back then was still significantly less than for the men. “Both my sashes were pink as you’d expect. Prize money then was just $1100 in 1991, and $1500 in 1995,” Sue remembers.

She has witnessed firsthand how women’s running at Stawell has grown in stature. Increased participation, media attention, and the involvement of elite athletes such as Cathy Freeman, Tamsyn Manou (Lewis), Jennifer MacGibbon, Melinda Gainsford-Taylor, Melissa Breen and Jana Pittman.

In 2015, Grace O’Dwyer became the first woman to win the equal $40,000 prize purse, a moment Sue sees as a defining milestone in achieving parity for women’s sprinting.

Stawell: A Place of Lifelong Memories

For Sue, Stawell was an annual pilgrimage. “The Carr stable always camped at the Stawell Caravan Park,” she reminisces. However, since losing her father in 2016, she has yet to return. “It was too sad to go back without him, but I’ll be back soon.”

She hopes her children, Darcy McConnon (23) and Stella McConnon (21), will continue the family tradition. Darcy has already made his mark, winning his first sash at the Bendigo Gift Novice 400m, and Stella has competed as a junior at Stawell.

As the only father-daughter duo to have won the Men’s and Women’s Stawell Gift, Sue takes immense pride in her achievements.  “I hope that never changes, and that no one else wins two Women’s Gifts either!” she jokes. 

“Stawell will always hold a special place in my heart. So many memories and lifetime friends.”

A Timeless Legacy

Thirty years on, Sue Carr’s record remains unmatched. Her victories represent more than just race wins—they symbolize a pioneering era for women’s sprinting at Stawell, a deep-rooted family tradition, and the unwavering spirit of competition that defines the Stawell Gift.

As the 2025 Stawell Gift approaches, her story serves as an inspiration to all who take to the track at Central Park, chasing the same dream she fulfilled twice.

Watch Sue’s 1995 victory over Julie Victory here:

 

 

 

 

 

Sue is currently living in Bali.

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