Chasing Greatness: Tom Perry carries family legacy to Stawell

Date: 25th March 2026

Rising professional sprinter Tom Perry is carrying both momentum and meaning into this year’s Powercor Stawell Gift, with the 24-year-old emerging as one to watch, not only for his form, but for the legacy that follows him.

Perry arrives at Stawell buoyed by a breakthrough victory at the Wangaratta Gift, a win he describes as transformative after a period of near misses.

“Winning Wangaratta proved to me that I am good enough,” he said. “For the longest time I was battling with doubt and lack of confidence after numerous close finishes and disappointment. I think winning such a prestigious event in the manner that I did, was the moment I felt everything click and gave me the confidence I needed heading into Stawell.” 

That confidence has been shaped as much by mindset as physical preparation. After stepping away from competition last year, Perry returned with a renewed perspective.

“In all honesty I think the biggest thing that improved was my mind… I really found my ‘why’ towards my running. I think this perspective shift has taken a weight off my shoulders and allowed me to run more freely.”

 His approach reflects the unique demands of professional racing, where tactics and composure are as critical as speed.

“I think pro running offers such a unique and challenging situation… you need to approach it by nailing your controllables and executing your first 3-4 steps, after that the rest takes care of itself.” 

While Perry is chasing his own place in Stawell history, his story is inseparable from that of his father, the late Chris Perry, a revered figure in Australian professional running.

Chris Perry was widely regarded as one of the greats of the Stawell Gift era, earning a reputation not only for his performances but for his influence on the professional circuit. In a sport that differs from amateur athletics through its handicap system – designed to give athletes of varying abilities an equal chance – Chris Perry thrived, becoming a respected competitor and a beloved figure within the tight-knit pro running community.

His legacy is honoured annually through the Invitational Backmarkers 120m, a showcase race featuring the fastest “backmarkers” – elite runners starting from scratch or near-scratch handicaps. The event celebrates both speed and prestige and serves as a tribute to Chris Perry’s standing among the sport’s very best. This year the race is sponsored by Stawell local company Krause Bricks.

“Chris was loved and respected by so many, his legacy at Stawell and in the Australian athletic scene is something I take great pride in,” Tom said. “Honestly if I can bring some joy and happiness with the fact that I’m out there forming my own career, I’ve won.”

 Despite the expectations that come with his surname, Perry Jnr insists his motivation is grounded in pride rather than pressure.

“I recognise that winning Stawell would make me the first ever father-son winner and that would be an amazing feeling however, I don’t feel a sense of responsibility, I feel a sense of pride carrying my family name into Stawell,” he said. “My Dad was a legend of Stawell and every year I come back I feel I am carrying the love for someone that was gone too soon.”

 A recent hamstring injury has added an element of uncertainty to his preparation, but Perry has leaned on those closest to him to stay on track.

“A torn hamstring about 7 weeks ago was a big setback… leaning on my girlfriend Elli and Mum in this time was so crucial, they are my rocks and biggest supporters.”

 Training under renowned coach Nick Fiedler, alongside a decorated squad of Stawell performers, has also sharpened his competitive edge. “To constantly be exposed to such quality athletes all the time has lifted me to be a better athlete… A happy runner is a fast runner!” 

At its core, Perry’s love for professional running lies in its unique identity, distinct from the amateur track scene, where times and rankings dominate.

“I love pro running because it gives everyone a chance of doing something spectacular with their career,” he said. “Running personal bests is great, however, you will always be remembered as a Stawell champion and that has so much more appeal to me.” 

As the Powercor Stawell Gift approaches, Tom knows what victory would mean, not just for himself, but for the continuation of a family story deeply embedded in the sport.

“Personally, winning the Stawell Gift wouldn’t feel real, to potentially add my name to this elite list would be a pinch-me moment.”

 And in a weekend where past and present intersect – from the main Gift to the Invitational Backmarkers 120m that honours his father – Tom Perry stands poised between legacy and opportunity, chasing a moment that could etch his own name alongside one of the sport’s most respected figures.

Images by Neil Jameson, Jamesons Photography

 

 

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