Jess Mead’s Stawell dream: Can she make it ‘7’ for coach?

Date: 29th March 2025

Jess Mead is no stranger to the Powercor Stawell Gift atmosphere. A teammate of current Women’s Gift champion Chloe Mannix-Power, Jess is preparing for her third appearance at Central Park, and the 22-year-old sprinter is gaining momentum as a strong contender to herself reach the Powercor Women’s Gift final. With a season full of surprises, strong performances, and a close-knit squad led by a coach with a proven track record, Jess is ready to take on the biggest race of her career.

For Jess, Stawell isn’t just another race, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience. “The atmosphere at Stawell is like no other,” she says. “Everyone is there to be their best, and it’s incredible to come down with my squad each year. With so many different types of runners – track, beach, and pro, it’s not often we all get to be together, and we always have the best time.”

That squad environment has been instrumental in her journey, especially after overcoming injury setbacks. With a strong group of training partners and a coach who knows how to win at Stawell, Jess is in the perfect place to make a serious impact.

A track sprinter specializing in the 100m and 200m, Jess has recently been focusing more on the professional running circuit. But her 2024-25 season didn’t start as planned. A second surgery in mid-2023 meant a slow return to racing, and her first few runs at the Warrnambool and Terang Gifts were not ideal.

However, things quickly turned around in the new year. A trip to the Newcastle Gift saw her claim a surprise 120m victory. Then, at the Ballarat Gift, she shocked herself again by winning the 70m sprint. “I definitely surprised myself,” she admits. “But it gave me a lot of confidence moving forward.”

Now, with the biggest pro race of the season approaching, Jess is in top form and ready to make her mark.

As one of the rated sprinters heading into Stawell, Jess has her eyes set on the final, a goal that, after two injury-plagued seasons, would mean everything. “Making the final would be a dream come true,” she says. “It’s been a huge journey with injuries, so to get there would be incredible. But at the end of the day, I just want to do my best and make my squad and my coach proud.”

That coach is none other than Brett “Robbo” Robinson, a man with a remarkable ability to produce Stawell Gift winners – six to date. Could Jess Mead be number seven? “No pressure, right?” she laughs. “I’m so lucky to have such a close squad and to train with people who are also my closest friends. And Robbo is someone I truly look up to. Just to be part of what he’s built is an absolute privilege.”

While Stawell is the immediate focus, Jess has bigger goals in sight. “Hopefully, in the near future, I’m representing Australia in sprinting,” she says. “That’s a huge goal of mine, and I hope to achieve it with the help of my coaches.”

Away from the track, the 22-year-old has already established herself in another field, having completed a diploma in Interior Design. She now works as a kitchen design consultant, balancing her professional career with the demands of elite sprinting. “When I’m not training or working, I love to read. I’m a bit of a bookworm,” she adds.

Training alongside Chloe Mannix-Power has been a major advantage for Jess this season. “Chloe has been a huge help,” she says. “She’s given me advice that I’ve taken on board, and take it into my running. What she did last year – winning from the back mark – was really special. It’s inspired me so much. But at the end of the day, I just want to run my own race and be the best I can be.”

She also admires fellow Gold Coaster Bree Masters, who has been a role model for many young sprinters. “What Bree does in this sport is really cool and inspiring,” Jess says. “Having her compete at Stawell alongside us will be exciting.”

With her season peaking at the right time, her training in full swing, and a proven ability to win races, Jess Mead is heading into Stawell with confidence and determination. Whether she becomes Robbo’s seventh Stawell Gift champion remains to be seen, but one thing is certain, she will be giving it everything she’s got.

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