WA Track Athletes Set to Benefit from New Mondo Surface

Published On: 5 February 2014

Liz Parnov has given the new Mondo track her tick of approval

WAIS pole vaulters Liz Parnov, Vicky Parnov and Henri Brown joined Sport and Recreation Minister Terry Waldron as he unveiled the new Mondo track that has been laid at the WA Athletics Stadium.

The new track – that is a feature of the world’s best Athletics Stadiums – has been completed in time for the up-coming Go for 2&5 Perth Track Classic (February 22) that will see the best of Australia’s track and field talent competing alongside a selection of overseas stars.

Minister Waldron heralded the new surface, believing it would provide WA’s track athletes with the best platform for future success.

“The striking marine blue Mondo track is a world-class athletics surface,” Mr Waldron said.

“Mondo was the surface of choice for the London 2012 and Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, providing the best surface for our environment and a world class training facility for all our WA track athletes,” he said.

“The top layer is rubber, the bottom layer consists of a honeycomb-shaped construction unique to Mondo. This track surface is chosen with a commitment to sustainability because it includes up to 42 per cent recycled materials and six per cent of renewable materials.”

Liz Parnov – one of a host of WA athletes that will benefit from the new track – gave the new surface her tick of approval after the old track had worn prematurely.

“It’s good, it’s really fresh, it’s bouncy,” Parnov said.

“The old red one was quite worn out and almost felt like you were running on concrete.”

The $692,000 project was completed on time and on budget. The WA Athletics Stadium has been closed since December 24 to install the new track and ensure it was ready for a busy year of activity.

“The 2014 Go for 2&5 Perth Track Classic is the opening event of the prestigious Australian Athletics Tour, which will be held on February 22 here at the WA Athletics Stadium,” the Minister said.

“The event will welcome a host of international superstars as well as our country’s finest athletes including the likes of Olympic hurdles champion Sally Pearson, Olympic long jump silver medallist Mitchell Watt and world championship javelin silver medallist Kim Mickle (WAIS). The track will provide an excellent venue for the 2016 World Masters Championships.”