Stawell Gift champion Matt Wiltshire will make a long-awaited return to Stawell after years of injuries and setbacks.
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Wiltshire has been ruled out of the world’s richest foot race since he won in 2012, but this year he will return.
Wiltshire made a flying trip to Stawell during the week to promote the Stawell Gift and as he stood on the track he once won on, his memories started flooding back.
“I can’t wait to be back,” Wiltshire said.
“It has been very frustrating the last couple of years being able to come down, but obviously not running. Just sitting back and watching is never a good thing, but I am really looking forward to getting back out into the middle of the track and hopefully going well.”
Wiltshire has been back in full training for the last few months and made an official comeback to racing at the Ballarat Gift last week.
While his run wasn't super impressive, finishing fourth in his heat, Wiltshire was pleased to get through unscathed.
“It is the first time in a long time I have been injury free,” Wiltshire said.
“I have got a lot of work to do, but I am just hoping to make the semi finals. Obviously the sash is what everyone wants, but it is just a privilege to run down the straight.”
Wiltshire remains a part of the Peter O’Dwyer POD squad and said this year has seen an improvement in their squad.
Obviously the sash is what everyone wants, but it is just a privilege to run down the straight.”
- Matt Wiltshire
“We really have a good crew this year,” Wiltshire said.
“It is great to have such strong competition pushing you at every training.”
When Wiltshire won the Gift in 2012 he ran a time of 12.219 seconds from an eight metre handicap.
