{"id":15673,"date":"2025-01-24T12:02:27","date_gmt":"2025-01-24T01:02:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stawellgift.com\/wp\/?p=15673"},"modified":"2025-01-24T12:02:27","modified_gmt":"2025-01-24T01:02:27","slug":"powercor-stawell-gift-champions-return-for-easter-showdown","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stawellgift.com\/wp\/2025\/01\/powercor-stawell-gift-champions-return-for-easter-showdown\/","title":{"rendered":"Powercor Stawell Gift Champions Return for Easter Showdown"},"content":{"rendered":"

When Chloe Mannix-Power and Jack Lacey crossed the finish line in the torrential downpour at Central Park last year, they etched their names into the storied history of the Powercor Stawell Gift. Now, the reigning champions are preparing to return to the famed event this Easter to defend their titles, bringing with them memories of last year\u2019s unforgettable races and the determination to shine again.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chloe Mannix-Power: Rising to the Challenge<\/b>
\n<\/b>
\n<\/span>For Chloe Mannix-Power, the lead-up to the 2024 Gift final was all about preparation and staying grounded. \u201cI tried not to get ahead of myself or stress out,\u201d Chloe recalls. \u201cI told myself it was like any other race and planned everything – outfits, spikes, nutrition, and recovery. I made sure everything was ticked off before we travelled.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Chloe\u2019s meticulous planning paid off as she lined up for the final, which unfolded amidst one of the wettest days in the event\u2019s 143-year history. Despite the rain and delays, Chloe stayed composed under the runners’ tent, supported by her partner, Mathew Currie, and training partner, Liv Matzer. \u201cI personally didn\u2019t want the event to be cancelled,\u201d she says. \u201cI knew how hard I had worked to get to that moment.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

When the starting gun finally fired, Chloe\u2019s determination carried her to victory – an achievement she\u2019s still coming to terms with. \u201cI don\u2019t know if I\u2019ll ever fully understand what it means to be a Stawell Gift winner, but it\u2019s a pretty special feeling, especially because I won from the back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As she prepares to return to Stawell, Chloe\u2019s busy season has included track and beach races, along with Tasmanian Gifts in Hobart, Devonport, and Burnie. \u201c<\/span>That was a really fun week. I am now entering into the business end of the season, preparing for Australian Beach Titles, Track Nationals and then the Stawell Gift.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStawell will always be a special place to me,\u201d she says. \u201cIt\u2019s one of the biggest achievements of my career, and I\u2019m excited to see what mark I\u2019ll run off this year. I\u2019m sure I\u2019ll be in red, haha!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

With her prizemoney still safely tucked away for an overseas trip with her partner, Chloe remains focused on doing what she loves: racing hard and embracing every opportunity.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jack Lacey: Chasing a Dream, Embracing the Moment<\/b>
\n<\/b>
\n<\/span>For Jack Lacey, last year\u2019s Powercor Stawell Gift victory was the culmination of years of hard work and a lifelong dream. \u201cGrowing up, I watched my brother Max compete and succeed at Stawell,\u201d Jack shares. \u201cThat inspired me from a young age. For a long time, winning the Stawell Gift felt like a pipe dream. Then, as I developed as an athlete, I realized maybe that dream could come true.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Jack\u2019s path to the final was smooth, but the rain-soaked delays on race day tested his nerves. \u201cAfter the semi-finals, the weather hit, and we didn\u2019t know if the final would even run,\u201d he recalls. With the help of teammate Jerome Lugo and coach Nick Fiedler, Jack stayed calm and ready, eventually seizing his moment to claim victory.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWinning the Stawell Gift means everything to me,\u201d Jack says. \u201cTo now be a small part of the rich Stawell history is something I\u2019ll always be thankful for.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Returning as the defending champion this Easter, Jack feels both excitement and gratitude. \u201cIt\u2019ll be surreal to come back as last year\u2019s winner. I think I\u2019ll have a newfound appreciation for this great event,\u201d he says.<\/span><\/p>\n

After a strong season that\u2019s seen him competing in Gifts across Victoria and trying his hand at amateur events, Jack is ready for the challenge. \u201cUsing my experience from last year, you never know what can happen in those tense semi-finals,\u201d he adds.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some of Jack\u2019s prizemoney is already earmarked for a well-earned trip to Japan with his partner after this year\u2019s Powercor Stawell Gift. But for now, his focus is firmly on the competition. \u201cPro running is such a unique sport,\u201d he says. \u201cThe community and support are incredible, and my squad, Team Fiedler, has been instrumental in my success. I wouldn\u2019t be where I am without them and my amazing coach, Nick Fiedler.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Chloe shares similar sentiments about her squad and six-time Stawell Gift winning coach Brett Robinson. For her, the camaraderie within Viking Athletics and the guidance of \u201cRobbo\u201d have been instrumental. \u201cHaving a great relationship with your coach is one of the most important parts of success,\u201d she says.<\/span><\/p>\n

As both Chloe and Jack prepare to defend their titles this Easter, the anticipation is building for what promises to be another thrilling Powercor Stawell Gift. Whether it\u2019s rain or shine, Stawell is ready to welcome its champions back to Central Park for another chapter in its legendary history.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

When Chloe Mannix-Power and Jack Lacey crossed the finish line in the torrential downpour at Central Park last year, they etched their names into the storied history of the Powercor Stawell Gift. Now, the reigning champions are preparing to return to the famed event this Easter to defend their titles,<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":15672,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[1,10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-15673","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-media-release","category-news"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nPowercor Stawell Gift Champions Return for Easter Showdown - Powercor Stawell Gift<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Australia\u2019s richest footrace, the Stawell Gift, returns to Central Park on Saturday 20 April to Monday 22 April 2019 over the Easter long weekend with three action-packed days of elite athletic racing, activities and family entertainment. 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