Sport Hall of Fame pinnacle for Steve Moneghetti
LOCAL FAVOURITE
Port Douglas’ favourite son and four-time Olympian, Steve Moneghetti, has achieved the ultimate in his outstanding career by being inducted into Sport Australia Hall of Fame.
Moneghetti AM represented Australia in the marathon at four Commonwealth Games, winning Gold (1994), Silver (1990) and two Bronze (1986 and 1998) medals. He achieved three top 10 finishes in his four appearances at the Olympic Games (1988, 1992, 1996 and 2000).
He also attended six World Athletics Championships, winning a Bronze medal in the marathon event in Athens in 1997. Moneghetti retired in 2000.
The popular athlete, who was advised of the induction a month ago, said he was both humbled and honoured.
“This is not something you think of and I never expected the honour,” he said from his home in Ballarat.
It’s unknown whether there will be a formal induction dinner because of Covid-19.
Moneghetti, meanwhile, said he is hoping to get back to Port Douglas where for 12 years he was a key participant and supporter of the Great Barrier Reef marathon and Run for the Reef.
Bump Track
He also had some ‘kind’ words for the treacherous Bump Track*, which was a feature of the Port Douglas events.
“You need to conquer the first two kilometres and it then flattens out and is an unbelievable trail in the rain forest.
“If I had a choice of relaxing by the pool or running the Bump Track, I’d be game for the latter as it is a spectacular area to be running. But there is also nothing wrong by lying at the pool,” he quipped.
Bruno Bennett, a Director of the team behind the Great Barrier Reef Marathon Festival and the Run for the Reef Initiative in Port Douglas, said his induction is a reflection of his unique qualities.
“Steve was an absolute delight to work with over the 10 years of the GBR Marathon.
“The thing about ‘Monas’ is that ‘he is just a great bloke’. He gives you 100 per cent integrity and this Hall of Fame recognition of his contribution not only to sport, but also his on-going involvement in so many different events and causes, is well and truly deserved,” said Bennett.
Ambassador
Bennett said Moneghetti was the perfect Ambassador for the Run for the Reef and it's great to see we are not the only ones who think he's a National Treasure.
“Moneghetti loves Port Douglas and has stayed involved in the Run for the Reef Initiative which is looking forward to a new beginning in 2022 after the past two COVID years.”
He has made an extraordinary contribution to sports administration and the promotion of athletes’ welfare. He is known for his selfless contribution, not only to athletics but also to numerous other sports disciplines, which has left an indelible mark on Australian sport.
He has held numerous roles, ranging from the captain of the Australian athletics team to Chef De Mission at three Commonwealth Games, and administrative positions that have helped to provide better facilities and greater support for athletes.
Moneghetti was Mayor of the Commonwealth Games Village at the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games and the Australian team's Chef de Mission for the 2010 Delhi and 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. From 2001-2010 he served as Chair of the Victorian Institute of Sport, and also chaired the Victorian State Review into Physical and Sport Education in schools (the Moneghetti Report).
He is active in the corporate community and is currently a sports consultant with his own business. Steve is also on the executive board of the Victorian Olympic Council.
He received an Australian Sports Medal in 2000 and a Centenary Medal in 2001. In 2014 Moneghetti was awarded an Order of Australia medal for significant service to athletics as a marathon runner, administrator and mentor to young athletes.
Moneghetti was appointed to the Board on 22 June 2015 and is a Member of the ASC Governance and Executive Performance Committee.
Steve's career highlights include:
- Bronze Medal, Commonwealth Games 10 km track (1998)
- Gold Medal, Commonwealth Games Marathon (1994)
- Silver Medal, Commonwealth Games Marathon (1990)
- Bronze Medal, Commonwealth Games Marathon (1986)
He attended the 1987, '91, '93, '95, '97, '99 World Athletic Championships winning a Bronze Medal in the 1997 Marathon in Athens.
He also attended the 1988, '92 '96 and 2000 Olympic Games finishing in the top ten on three occasions.
Steve's other achievements include:
- Winner, Berlin Marathon (1990)
- Winner, Tokyo International Marathon (1994)
- Previous holder of 3 World Bests for the Half Marathon (1990, 92, 93)
- Winner of four City to Surf races (1988 - 1991) and race record holder
- Winner of 4 Zatopek 10km Track races (1989 - 1992) – only person ever to win 4 in a row.
* Located in the foothills just behind the famous resort town of Port Douglas, the 6km Bump Track trail climbs from sea level to almost 400m within just a couple of kilometres. Originally an access track for Aboriginal people, then a vital link between the coast and hinterland for settlers and miners, this repurposed hiking/biking/running trail travels through dense rain forest and over crystal-clear mountain streams, offering spectacular views of the coast below.
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