Joe Carmody - Athletics
Joe Carmody was raised on a farm in the Colac area of Victoria in the 1920's. With father Joe Snr and cousins all noted local runners, foot running came very naturally to Joe often representing his school and district at the highest level. Like many young men during the depression years Joe left school in search of work and money. Professional Sheffield (gift) events were very popular and Joe didn't let his natural talent go to waste. Joe's search for work sent him to Yallourn in 1952 with the State Electricity Commission where he took a job at the hardware store.
Carmody joined the Yallourn District Athletic Club in 1955. He became president of the club in 1957 and remained so even when it became the Yallourn/Newborough Athletics Club in 1971. His presidency continued until his passing in 2005. Joe Carmody coached athletes from Yallourn, Morwell, and later Glenhuntly athletics clubs, including more than 30 national title winners and three Olympians. Among these athletes was 1996 Olympian and 1994 Commonwealth Games runner Julian Paynter.
Joe's tireless work for athletics in the region was formally recognised in 1991 with the Moe / Newborough Athletics Venue named in his honour. He was also awarded an Australian Sports Medal for Outstanding Services to Sport in 2000 and a life membership to Athletics Victoria in 2001.
Key Achievements
Coaching more than 30 National title winners, including 3 Olympians
1991 - Moe / Newborough's Athletics Venue named in his Honour
2000 - Australian Sports Medal for Outstanding Services to Sport
2001 - Life Membership to Athletics Victoria