In 2023, Martin claimed victory in the prestigious Bill McManus 400m Backmarkers at Stawell. This year, his focus is on the 120m.<\/p>\n
\u201cWinning the Stawell Gift is the pinnacle of a pro runner\u2019s career. I\u2019ve put in the work, and I\u2019ll be putting my best foot forward,\u201d said Paddy.<\/p>\n
It hasn\u2019t been a smooth road. He battled a hamstring injury early in the season, but with patience and hard work, he\u2019s found form at the right time.<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter the hamstring injury just before the season started, I was lucky enough to make a 70m final at the Bay Sheffield under the lights at Colley Reserve which was special. In January I was able to hit some form and win the Frankston Gift 70m and 100m! <\/p>\n
\u201cIn late January I ran a 400m PB of 46.8 in Canberra and was then selected for the 4×400 Australian relay camp in early February. I was recently placed second in the 400m at the State Championships too.\u201d<\/p>\n
Now, with six weeks to go until Stawell, he\u2019s shifting focus to speed training, ensuring he\u2019s in peak condition for Easter.<\/p>\n
The POD Squad effect: winning and having fun<\/strong><\/p>\n Paddy is part of the influential POD Squad, led by Peter O\u2019Dwyer and Dan Martin. The group has developed a winning culture while fostering an inclusive and fun environment.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve got a diverse, welcoming squad, and the knowledge from Pete and Dan pushes us to work hard for our goals. The facilities at Ballarat Grammar and guidance from senior athletes help us get the best out of ourselves.\u201d<\/p>\n Pro running is a family affair for Martin. His father, Tony, was a Stawell Gift finalist in 1993 and 1998, training under the late Len Templar, a coaching great whom Paddy still admires. His cousins, Halle (Lorraine Donnan 400m winner last year) and Talia Martin (Women\u2019s Gift winner 2016) are also sprinting talents, with their dad and coach Dan Martin being Paddy\u2019s uncle.<\/p>\n
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