Stawell Gift Organizers Mull Changes to Handicapping System After Upset
STAWELL, Australia – The Victorian Athletics League (VAL) is considering a review of its handicapping system for the prestigious Stawell Gift, following the unexpected results at the annual Easter event. The potential adjustments come after high-profile runners Lachlan Kennedy and Gout Gout failed to reach the final.the Stawell Gift, a historic handicap footrace held annually in Stawell, Victoria, is a cornerstone of australian athletics. Unlike standard races, the Stawell Gift assigns handicaps – head starts – to runners based on their past performance, aiming to level the playing field and create a more unpredictable and exciting competition. The handicaps are resolute by a team of experienced officials who analyze athletes’ recent race times.
This yearS men’s Stawell Gift was won by John Evans, a school teacher from South Australia, who ran the 120m race off a handicap of 9.75m in 11.94 seconds. Kennedy, one of the pre-race favorites, ran off 0.25m, and Gout Gout, a rising star and Australian record holder, started with a 1m advantage. Neither qualified for the final. Ryan Tarrant, the 2023 men’s Stawell Gift champion, ran off a mark of 3.50m to win the backmarkers invitational race in 12.27 seconds, with Kennedy finishing fourth and Gout further back.
“I think that maybe … is our target time, right? that [time of 12.25] to get, to get Kennedy in that final, and maybe (he) should have been in that final,” said VAL president Matt McDonough. He explained the current handicapping system uses an average of an athlete’s best two times over the past four seasons,targeting a 12.25-second finish for the 120m event. “So we’re looking at the data, taking the average of your best two times, and saying what handicap [do] you need to run 12.25?”
McDonough defended Evans’ victory against suggestions he was an unknown who exploited the system. “people asking where John Evans came from, he has been known to us.He’s been around for a long time. He’s already won a race this season. So he was one of the favorites leading in — we don’t generally have the smokies that we used to have as of the way we approach it.” Evans’ handicap of 9.75m included a bonus of 0.75m for winning the Terang Gift last year.
Despite the adjustments, McDonough stated confidence in the current system. “There [are] probably some out there that are just trying to milk as much as they can out of the handicap system, but we’re a lot more cozy now than what it used to be, say, 10-20 years ago, when a lot of that was happening with our handicap system,” he said. “I think that’s some sort of adjustment we’ll just need to have a look at in the future to see whether we’ve got our times right, that the back markers can achieve it.”
Bree Rizzo won the women’s Stawell Gift off a scratch mark, meaning she had to run the full 120m. “I love handicap racing, I think it’s awesome. You’re handicapped off your speed, so at the end of the day it’s anyone’s race,” she said. “To be off scratch is such an honor. I’ve been off scratch the last couple years and it is extremely tough, but I think I showed if you bring your best you can win off scratch.”
Rizzo described the mental challenge of running from scratch. “It’s hard to describe. You feel like you’re so far back,” she said. “But I was just looking straight down those ropes in my own lane, picturing my own race and just trying to do what I do best — relax, run my own race and just be strong the entire way. And that’s what I did.”
Australian athletics has a rich history of handicap races, with the Stawell Gift being its most famous example.This tradition, though, is relatively uncommon in the U.S., where most track and field events are based purely on raw speed.
While the VAL reviews its system, the debate continues about how best to balance fairness and competitiveness in handicap racing.Some argue that favoring established runners over newcomers goes against the spirit of the event. Others suggest that relying solely on past performance may not accurately reflect an athlete’s current form, especially considering factors like injuries, training changes, or psychological state.
A notable example of successful handicapping was seen in the 1996 Stawell Gift 400m, when Cathy Freeman, the future Olympic champion, started on scratch and won by making up a 54m deficit. “And Cathy Freeman was a really good example. But she turned up, you know, in shape, and ran to her best and won, and so she should,” McDonough said.“We have a mile race (1,600m) where someone could be off for 400 [metres] so it’s a different race,” McDonough said. “You know, even a 800 race where someone’s running off 200, that’s a 600 race compared to the backmarkers running 800 — so we have to try and factor that in, that there’s an extra distance to cover for the backmarker.”
One might ask if handicapping truly levels the playing field, or if it introduces another layer of complexity (and potential unfairness) into the sport. The counterargument is that handicap races provide opportunities for athletes who might not otherwise be competitive against elite runners, fostering wider participation and excitement. It incentivizes athletes to continue improving, even if they’re not at the very top of their game.
FAQ About Handicap Racing
Q: What is a handicap race?
A: A handicap race is a competition where participants are given a head start (handicap) based on their past performance, with the goal of making the race more competitive.
Q: How are handicaps determined?
A: Handicaps are typically determined by a team of experienced officials who analyze athletes’ recent race times and other relevant data.
Q: What are the benefits of handicap racing?
A: Handicap racing creates a more unpredictable and exciting competition.
Q: Are handicap races common in the United States?
A: No, handicap races are relatively uncommon in the U.S., where most track and field events are based purely on raw speed.
Q: What did bree Rizzo, who won the women’s race, say about it?
A: “I love handicap racing, I think it’s awesome. You’re handicapped off your speed, so at the end of the day it’s anyone’s race.”
The VAL’s review highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing tradition, fairness and competition in handicap racing.The outcome of this review will likely have a significant impact on the future of the Stawell Gift and other similar events in Australia.
What adjustments or considerations do you think the Stawell Gift organizers should reflect in their handicapping system?
Table of Contents
- 1. What adjustments or considerations do you think the Stawell Gift organizers should reflect in their handicapping system?
- 2. Archyde Interview: Handicapping Expert Dr. eleanor Vance on the Stawell Gift Review
- 3. Analyzing the Stawell Gift Upset
- 4. The Science Behind Handicapping
- 5. Fairness and Competition in Handicap Racing
- 6. The Future of the Stawell Gift
- 7. Final Thoughts
Archyde Interview: Handicapping Expert Dr. eleanor Vance on the Stawell Gift Review
Archyde News editor: Welcome, Dr. Vance,to Archyde. Thanks for joining us today to discuss the recent Stawell Gift results adn the ongoing review of its handicapping system. For our audience who may be unfamiliar, could you provide a brief overview of handicap racing and its appeal?
Dr.Eleanor Vance: Certainly.Handicap racing, as seen in the stawell Gift, is all about leveling the playing field. Athletes are given a head start based on their past performance,which aims to create a more unpredictable and thrilling race. It allows athletes of varying skill levels to compete directly, fostering a sense of inclusivity and excitement.
Analyzing the Stawell Gift Upset
Archyde News Editor: The recent Stawell Gift saw some unexpected outcomes, including high-profile runners failing to reach the final. John Evans, relatively unknown, took the men’s title. what are your initial thoughts on these results and the need for a review?
Dr. Eleanor Vance: The unexpected results certainly highlight the inherent complexities of handicapping. While the system aims for a balanced competition, the variability in athlete form, evolving training methodologies, or underestimation of an athlete’s current form can lead to such surprises. The VAL’s review is a sensible step to fine-tune their approach, ensuring fairness and maintaining the event’s integrity.
The Science Behind Handicapping
Archyde News Editor: The VAL seems to be using an average of athletes’ best two times over the past four seasons to determine handicaps, targeting a 12.25-second finish.What are the strengths and weaknesses of this approach,and are there alternative methodologies they might consider?
Dr. Eleanor Vance: Using past performance data is a common starting point, providing a quantifiable basis. The weakness lies in the dynamic nature of athletic performance. Athletes improve, experience injuries, or change training regimens. Alternative methodologies might incorporate more recent race data, subjective assessments of fitness, even psychological factors, or even consider power outputs where available. Incorporating predictive models based on various training metrics could also provide a more nuanced handicapping approach.
Fairness and Competition in Handicap Racing
Archyde News Editor: There’s a debate about whether handicapping truly levels the field. Some suggest it can favor established runners, while others feel raw speed should be the primary determiner. What’s your perspective on balancing fairness and the competitive spirit of the Stawell Gift?
Dr. Eleanor Vance: The heart of handicap racing lies in finding that balance. While rewarding performance and experience is important, the system shouldn’t stifle newcomers. The goal should be to create a spectacle where anyone,at any level,could win on any given day based on current fitness. Regular reassessment is essential. The key is to balance the use of quantitative measurements and qualitative insights.
The Future of the Stawell Gift
Archyde News Editor: The Stawell Gift, a historic event, holds a special place in Australian athletics. What do you think the future holds for handicap racing, and what adjustments could ensure its continued appeal and relevance?
Dr. Eleanor Vance: The Stawell Gift already has an incredible draw. To ensure relevance, the race committee should remain forward-thinking. Continuing to enhance the handicapping methodology, embracing changes in training and incorporating the relevant technology while honoring the tradition will be key. The event can always use the prospect to re-evaluate their handicap system. The introduction of new age categories and races to attract a wider audience would also serve the event. Ultimately, the Stawell Gift’s success depends on its ability to adapt, innovate, and present a fair, exciting competition for all, including those new to the sport.
Final Thoughts
Archyde News Editor: Thank you,Dr. Vance, for these insightful perspectives. it’s clear that refining the handicapping system is a continual process to enhance the fairness and excitement of races like the Stawell Gift. Do you have any final thoughts for our readers?
Dr. Eleanor Vance: Just remember to always focus on improvement. For athletes competing in handicap races, consistent, dedicated training and attention to detail will pay dividends in your handicap and racing ability. Now, for our readers, what adjustments or considerations do you think they should reflect in their handicapping system? We’d love to hear your opinions in the comments.
