Australian Olympian Bree Rizzo bursts into tears after joining husband as Stawell Gift champion
Australian sprint star Bree Rizzo has burst into tears after joining husband Matt as a Stawell Gift champion.
The 29-year-old achieved the feat off scratch and her race was immediately hailed by Bruce McAvaney as one of the all-time great runs at Central Park.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Aussie Olympian bursts into tears after joining husband as Stawell Gift champion.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“Oh, Rizzo, comes with a run, and I reckon has come from nowhere and won!” he said on Channel 7.
“She’s done it — from the scratch mark. We thought she wouldn’t get to the front, if she did, until the last bound — and it’s what’s happened.
“It’s a final to remember forever ... it is seriously one of the all-time great runs at Stawell.”
Tamsyn Manou said: “They have matching his and her Stawell Gift sashes now! What an effort, and a beautiful, beautiful run.”
Rizzo, a Paris Olympics 100m semi-finalist, said she was “actually speechless” to win from scratch.
“Honestly this one means so much to me. I met Matt here. He’s won, to both win it — so incredible,” she said.
“And to win it off scratch, it’s just mind-blowing. So special, I’m so proud of myself.”
Matt won in 2017 off a 7.5m handicap and knew he was now second best in the family.
“I’m absolutely stoked. What she’s done today is absolutely fantastic,” he said.
“To etch her name into the plaques is pretty special to me. She’s incredible.
“She’s won it off scratch, in red, she’s done better than me.”
Rizzo reflected on almost retiring from sprinting nearly seven years ago only to have now achieved so much.
“I’m just enjoying the journey,” she said.
“I started Gift racing when I fell out of love with surf lifesaving. I joined track and field to keep the spark alive.
“I wanted to retire at 23 and I am 30 this year and I am doing incredible things. I guess it is the way the story was meant to go. Matt is a big part of that. I am grateful to be here.”
Later, John Evans won the men’s Stawell Gift after he was the man to conquer Gout Gout in the semi-finals.
Originally published on 7NEWS Sport
