Local mum Sharne Muller has won gold in her first national competition since returning to athletics only six months ago.
The Tabooba mother of three made her stellar return to the track after rediscovering her passion for athletics through her kids.
Sharne, 33, won first in long jump, second in the 60m sprint, third in the 100m sprint and first in triple jump when she represented Queensland at the 2022 Australian Masters Association Track and Field Championships in April.
That was after winning two silvers and a gold at the 2022 Gold Coast Masters Athletics Championships in March.
Her biggest cheerleaders are her husband Allen (also a good runner) and their three sporty kids Seth, 11, Pearl, 9 and Lincoln, 4, who are enthusiastic members of Beaudesert Little Athletics.
Sharne, who loved Little Athletics as a child, decided to give it another crack after running well in a parent vs teacher relay at the kids’ sports carnival last year.
Excited by her fast run, Sharne texted Beaudesert Little Athletics stalwart Donna Thomas, who works at Beaudesert Community Kindergarten where Lincoln goes to kindy.
“Sharne thought she did really well, and she said to me, ‘I think I’ve still got it’,” said Donna.
Since then, Sharne, who juggles her family responsibilities with running her own custom biscuit making business, has squeezed in training whenever she can.
She has been motivated by her high achieving kids and support from Donna, who has coached many successful athletes through Little As, including Olympian Riley Day.
“It has re-lit a spark I thought went out a long time ago and stepping out of my comfort zone is a big deal for me,” Sharne said.
“After each meet or event, I am buzzing, and I love that feeling. I want my kids to be proud of me and know that they can do anything they put their mind to.
“I hope I can inspire other mums and dads out there – all shapes and sizes – to have a go.”
Sharne, who is taking on the roles of assistant centre manager and team manager at Beaudesert Little Athletics, is looking forward to helping shape the next generation of athletes when the club heads into its next season.
