Josh Ross

 

 

Josh Ross was inducted into the Stawell Hall of Fame as a Legend on Friday March 30 2018.

The fastest Australian over 100m on home soil, Josh Ross is one of only three athletes to win the Stawell Gift twice (2003, 2005).  No sprinter has achieved three wins in the historical carnival Final.

“The Stawell Gift is one of my greatest achievements, and a highlight of my career that I’m very proud of.  I hold the Stawell Gift close to my heart, and I speak for many Australians when I say that the Stawell Gift is much more than just a 120m race, it’s an exciting cultural event that has become a part of me, and runs through our blood. I’m extremely honoured that in my life I was a part of its rich history.

“I’m more well known for my success at Stawell than my seven national titles and two Olympic finals, that’s how special the Stawell Gift is within the Australian community.”

“To stand along-side the likes of Ravelo and Edmonson (the US Stawell winner from 1977) is truly an honour.  As a kid, I dreamed of winning Stawell one day but I never would have imagined that I’d be inducted into the Stawell Gift Hall of Fame as a legend fifteen years later. I’m happy that my hard work and dedication to the sport and to my craft has been recognised and that Australia has enjoyed watching me run over the years. I thank the Stawell Athletic club for this incredible privilege.”

After deciding to retire from athletics in 2009, Ross proved he still had it when he returned to win his sixth national 100m title in 2012, compete in the London Olympics and the following year take the 100m and 200m double at the Australian Championships.