Marie Kay - a true champion

by Christina
(Cairns, Qld, Australia)

Marie, you are an inspiration! I started Masters Athletics locally last year at the age of 49 and just love it.

It is great to see that people like you, with your determination, drive and competitiveness, are doing so well - you're a wonderful role model for us older athletes.

Congratulations on all your achievements - you certainly deserve them. Perhaps one day I may be fortunate enough to compete with you!

Awesome Aussie

by Lee Faulkner
(Memphis, TN, USA)

I met Marie at the WMA Indoor Championships in Kamloops March 2010. Being my first experience with the world level of competition, I didn't realize I was meeting such an incredible and dominant athlete. She was just an extremely nice person, who didn't mind giving a newbie some advice on the jumping events.

She has a great smile and warmth, and just makes you feel like a long time friend from the first time you meet her.

As she finished the 800M at the end of the indoor pentathlon, setting a WR in the process, Marie glanced over to me and my fellow pentathletes who were applauding her, and gave a smile and a wink. From WR intensity to world class congeniality in 2 seconds, that is how impressive Marie Kay is.

Friend, Training, Partner, Etc

What a great story and I above all else know it is true, Marie is easy to coach as she does all that is asked of her no more and no less she gets what she deserves as she works very hard. She is also the best training partner as even though I can motivate my athletes can't always do it for myself but Marie is always there for me and her husband, John often runs with me to DRAG me along. WE HAVE A GREAT MOTIVATED SQUAD AND ARE ALL THERE FOR ONE ANOTHER!

Inspiration

by Lisa Daley
(White Plains, NY, USA)

Marie is the epitome of a good athlete and friend. She inspires me daily to be the best that I can be both on and off the track without making excuses. I love her dearly.

Inspirational

by Christian Zeidler
(Wollongong, NSW, AUS)

I am very fortunate to know Marie and her husband John.

What amazes me even more than reading through these paragraphs is the unassuming way Marie goes about doing all of this. I never hear her spruiking her achievements, she is more interested in finding out about how my family is or how work is going.

Marie is obviously an amazing athlete but is also an incredibly warm, caring person and I'm sure you will agree that is a very rare blend!

Christian Zeidler

Golden Star ...

by Maryline Roux
(Davidson,NC, USA)

I met Marie-K in France (world Indoor). The first time I saw her compete in the 400m, I was impressed by her beautiful stride--EFFORTLESS AND VOLUPTUOUS.

Of course I admire her tenacity and competitiveness. She's a WARRIOR!

But nothing beats her spontaneity, great smile and wonderful hugs(ie: Finland).

Looking forward to see you in Canada!

Maryline

WOW!!!!!

by Suz O'Brien

WOW!!!!! Even I had no idea how talented you are! Marie you are beautiful, kind and talented - coupled with empathy and genuine interest for others.

I'm so glad I know you - you are so busy in your daily life and yet you spent time with me the other day, caring about my injury.

You and John are lovely people. I so enjoyed reading the article - you have inspired me just to get back to some level of running and skiing! Loads of love to you and you family.

PS all the best always in everything you do and love.

Who's Better???

Can't help but admire the six pack and some of the other bits, I wonder if Johns is better, well done and keep going.

An inspiration

by Glynis C
(Albion Park)

Marie Kay is a wonderful role model and an inspiration.

Congratulations to her and to her husband John on all their success.

Well done - I'm sure that all of Wollongong is very proud.

GC

Motivation Plus

by Bridgette
(Wollongong)

Loved reading this link, My daughter sees you as her biggest inspiration!!! You are also a fantastic coach and we are extremely lucky to have you!!!!
Thanks Marie

Inspirational Story

by Barry Vandenbergh
(Sydney, Australia)

Marie Kay is a beautiful person and to enjoy her friendship is a very special privilege. Marie's dedication to her outstanding sporting life is an inspiration to both fellow athletes and non-athletes and may her enjoyment in sport continue for many years.

Aiming high

by Rebecca kay
(Sydney )

Go muma, you can do it!

Miss Marie

by Mary Barker
(Wollongong)

Miss Marie,

I am so proud. I shed a little tear.

Well done. You inspire me.

MB

Amazed

by Maryvonne Icarre
(Macon France)

I saw and met Marie for the first time in Clermont. I just couldn't stop watching her preparing for the 200m. SHE RAN JUST BEFORE me (as I am 44) and she was amazing....so strong and fast.

In Lahti she gave me advice as I was training. I'll never forget what she said. She's a wonderful person. A model for me and and I know for many people.

I would like her to know that lots of people admire her.

Thank you Marie for being who you are.

See you in Kamloops.

Maryvonne Icarre