Dash-ing through the ranks: Muir ready to strike at Stawell

Date: 6th April 2025

With a name like Dash, it’s hard not to be fast. But 17-year-old sprint sensation Dashiell Muir is more than just a catchy moniker, he’s the real deal, and this Easter, he’s gunning for glory at the Powercor Stawell Gift.

The Williamstown High School Year 12 student has already built a remarkable resume this season, highlighted by a sizzling 47.19 PB in the 400m and a string of podium finishes across Victoria’s professional running circuit.

“It’s been a huge season for me, both in the pros and amateurs,” says Dash. “Winning the Victorian All Schools 400m with a PB of 48.3, then going on to place 3rd at the Australian All Schools 400m with another huge PB of 47.19, was an incredible first half of the season.”

Since Christmas, Dash’s been lighting up the track all over the country, from a 2nd place at the Bay Sheffield in South Australia to a breakthrough win at the Beachside Gift where he won both the Men’s 70m and 120m Gift.

“It was one of the biggest moments of my career and a huge step toward having a big crack at Stawell,” he says.

That “crack at Stawell” will see Dash take on the Arthur Postle 70m, the Jack Donaldson 200m, and the prestigious 120m Powercor Stawell Gift at Central Park over Easter weekend. It’s a familiar stage for the teen, who’s competed at Stawell since 2021, moving up the ranks from Little Athletics to the elite level.

“By 2023, I had moved into my first full season with the VAL, and then in 2024, I ran my first Men’s Gift race at Stawell,” he says. “I came into the 400m Backmarkers with good form, and my goal was just to make the final, so taking out the win was surreal.”

Now, he’s ready for the next challenge, and maybe an even bigger sash.

“The Powercor Stawell Gift is special because of the elite competition and how everything in the running season builds up to it,” Dash says. “The atmosphere is on another level, unlike anything else in Australia.”

With elite names like Gout Gout and Lachlan Kennedy also in the mix, the field is packed with firepower, but Dash is embracing the challenge.

“It’s pretty amazing to line up against runners of such high quality,” he says. “The level of competition and the hype around them will only add to the sport’s excitement… but at the end of the day, the real beauty of pro running is that it’s still anyone’s race.”

Despite the pressure, Dash stays grounded thanks to his training base at Newport Track and Lakeside Stadium, where he works with his long-time coach Shaun Basset and his tight-knit Team Basso squad.

“I’ve been with him since 2020, and he’s been a key part of my running career,” Dash says. “Getting me to where I am today while making the whole process enjoyable.”

A future in athletics, perhaps even on the world stage, is on Dash’s radar, with one eye firmly on the 400m and World Junior qualifying times.

“Pro running has boosted both my confidence and performance, and my goal is to qualify for the World Juniors next year,” he says.

And while Dash Muir might be laser-focused on training and school, he hasn’t lost sight of why he’s out there sprinting.

“Athletics will always be a part of my life, it’s done so much for me already,” he says. “What I love about pro running is the combination of fun and competition, it’s kind of addictive.”

So, will “Dash” dash to victory this Easter?

“I believe I’ve got a fair chance, but the unpredictability of it is what makes it so exciting,” he says. “My approach is to take it as it comes and trust the work I’ve put in.”

One thing’s for sure: with a name like Dash and form like this, don’t blink or you’ll miss him.

Main photo: Neil Jameson

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