That Race is a collection of biographical short stories and interviews, from a broad range of sports people. Some of the subjects are well known, others aren’t, but what it examines is the spectrum of human characteristics, emotions, passion and resilience. In uncovering the stories, we learn about Australia’s indigenous history and the quirkiness of human nature.
Each non-fiction tale explores significant moments and, unlike most sports books, the on-field action takes a back seat to the focus on life and emotion. Most of the interviews highlight what happened outside the ground, oval, ring or track. Some stories take place around Cathy Freeman’s win in the 1996 Stawell 400 metres, whilst others, are more metaphorical, but no less impactful.
David Griffin is a former footballer turned runner and is the current General Manager of Emerging Brands at Munro Footwear Group in Australia.
With a corporate leadership background he has held senior roles with brands such as Nike and Puma and has worked in international markets. David has produced multiple documentaries and is driven by a belief in the power of storytelling to inspire meaningful change. His creative work is grounded in a commitment to inclusion and diversity, with a particular focus on supporting First Peoples and underrepresented communities. An avid runner, lifelong learner, and passionate change-maker, David continues to be fascinated by people and the stories they tell.
• Cathy Freeman is a star who shines on as an inspiration. She is amongst the best athletes Australia and the world has seen. Three months before the Atlanta Olympics, her career took off at Stawell, a whistle stop town on the drive from Melbourne to Adelaide, Australia.
• That Race celebrates the 1996 Stawell women’s 400 metres, and the rise of a superstar. But its much more. It’s the six other women in that race, plus eight from other sports who‘s journeys will stay with us.
• Stories from the race include:
• Cathy Freeman (Winner)
• Jon Anderson (Sports journalist)
• Shanie Singleton (2nd Place)
• Tara Gleeson (3rd Place)
• Jackie Lewis (4th Place)
• Emma Yeomans (5th place)
• Kim McDonough (6th Place)
• Debra Tomsett (7th Place)
• And many more!
• Each story in the book explores significant life moments away from the roar of the crowd.
• That Race is for all of us. Each day in ways seen or unseen, in different lanes and at different speeds, we all run in our own race.
Publicity: Launch event at Stawell on the 3rd of March with Cathy Freeman in attendance; Jon Anderson Herald Sun article the Sunday before Easter; Sash club interview Easter Sunday in Stawell; Stawell Gift PR social media in the lead up to the Stawell Gift 2026; Victorian Athletic League social media in the lead up to the Stawell Gift; Melbourne Launch event at the end of April; Sam Newman/Rex Hunt Podcast; Jules FM podcast (8th April); ABC Radio and more to come.
