Bree Masters has handled the pressure of an Olympic 100m semi-final, and the 70,000 screaming fans at Stade de France, to execute her race plan and place a close seventh in a time of 11.34 seconds.
The 29-year-old Australian who has only been training seriously in athletics since the end of 2019, was pleased she could back up her season best run of 11.26 seconds from the heat yesterday.
“I knew going out there I would have to run very, very fast, like much faster than my current PB of 11.23,” Bree said.
“Unfortunately, we didn't get a PB, but to back up with 11.34 and zero wind is pretty solid for me. I hope we can build on this season and come back even better next season.
“I hope to one day potentially be good enough to go into Diamond League meets and to be making consistent semi-finals and pushing for finals.”
Knowing an Olympic final was out of reach in 2024 she wanted to make the most of the experience.
“Oh, so much belief. I've been in the sport for five years now, coming from Surf Lifesaving. Yesterday, I felt like I was just a beach sprinter on the sand and now I'm an Olympic semi-finalist. I'm still kind of riding that.
“I know that there's areas that I can work on to be even better and I’m always constantly wanting to improve and be better, but also being satisfied with what I've done here today.”
Bree arrived at the meet ranked 73rd and was 22nd fastest in the semi-finals. She still has the 4x100m relay to come where the Australians are a real chance of making the finals.
The last time Australia had a women’s 100m semi-finalist at the Olympic Games was Melinda Gainsford-Taylor at Sydney 2000.
Bree was only five in 2000 but soon after, her parents encouraged her to join her local Little Athletics Club at Sylvania Waters in Sydney.
In Paris, 24 years later and only five years focused on athletics, she achieved the same rare feat as Melinda.
Melinda has inspired so many young athletes and women while she was competing and since retiring with her coaching and continued involvement in the sport. Bree hopes to do the same, as Australian sprinting makes a resurgence with the Brisbane Olympics in 2032 just two Olympic cycles away.
“The year of Tokyo when Hannah Basic came out and did what she did that year, and Riley Day, one of my best friends, they inspired me to be even better. And I hope I've done that especially for the younger generations to come. Especially ahead of Brisbane 2032.”
So is Brisbane on the cards?
"Look I’m probably not going to be in Brisbane 2032. I’m probably going to be too old by then. Never say never though.”
Andrew Reid
