By Nick Creely
When Narre Warren racewalker Bec Henderson crosses that Olympic line to represent Australia, there will be an army of support behind her cheering every single moment.
The 20-year-old will take part in her first Olympic Games in the Women’s 20km race walk as part of Australia’s Athletics team on Friday 6 August.
After years of dedication, hard-work and navigating the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s just reward for one of the country’s most exciting prospects.
“I couldn’t be more excited to represent my country at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, with the hope of making my country proud,” she told Star News Group.
“While I am nervous, I have worked so hard to get to where I am today and it’s such a great feeling knowing that all my hard work has paid off.”
While Henderson will ply her trade in the race walk event, the rising young star is also an exceptional swimmer having grown up entranced by sport and its vast array of opportunities, as well in Triathlon.
“I have always loved sport and joined Little Athletics at a young age for a bit of fun,” she said.
“Admittedly, I wasn’t very good at first and always came last, but I persevered and eventually won my first race, which led me to continue onto training in race walks.
“While I always loved competing in athletics, I loved my swimming too. Having learnt at my local swim school, Kingswim Narre Warren, I went on to place fourth in the 10km Open Water Nationals, but was unable to get to Adelaide for the 2021 trials due to restrictions, which was tough.”
Henderson – a noted endurance athlete who will only get better – represented Australia at just 16 in the 2018 World Race Walking Championships in China, placing 16th in the 42-person event. After building on her time, which was under 49 minutes for the 10km walk in 2019, Covid shutdown competition worldwide in 2020 just as she looked to be ready to dominate.
On restrictions imposed by Covid-19, Henderson admitted that times have been tough in athletics, but was just thankful for the support around her to help keep her grounded and focused on what was ahead.
“It was really tough to stay motivated throughout the pandemic and the multiple restrictions,” she said.
“But, I really owe it to my family, friends and coach who continued to push me and provide me with the support I needed to continue beating my own personal bests, when I wasn’t able to compete against others.”
While competition has been scarce through the pandemic, Henderson has seen the silver linings of the delay in the Olympics and the World Athletics U20 Championships.
“You can improve so much in a year, so I decided that rather than being disappointed, I would use this opportunity to ensure I was ready to compete on the world stage,” she explained.
“Now, I can proudly say that I’ll be representing Australia in green and gold when I compete at Tokyo.”
In the midst of all Henderson training, the rising star is well connected to her local community as a swimming instructor for Kingswim, recognising where she’s come from and giving back.
“I really love working at Kingswim, everyone has been so supportive, from my students and their parents, to my fellow colleagues and the wider community,” she said.
“Having learnt to swim at Kingswim as a child, it’s been great to inspire my students and see the future generation learn and grow in such a supportive environment.”
Kingswim Narre Warren centre manager Scott Brown said the community was incredibly proud of their local product.
“We couldn’t be prouder of Bec as she represents Australia at the Tokyo Olympics and it is fantastic to see how she has nurtured and inspired her students here at Kingswim Narre Warren,” he said.
“Having Bec juggle studying, while teaching swimming lessons and athletics training, is a real testament to her nature and determination and we will be sending her messages of support from her students and their families to read while in the Olympic village.
“We wish Bec the best of luck, from all of us here at Kingswim and in the wider community, and we will be watching her proudly as she competes.”
With only a matter of days before she takes to the international stage for Australia, Henderson had plenty of people to thank.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of my family and friends,” she said.
“They’ve never stopped believing in me and even though they can’t be with me in Tokyo, I know they will be watching from home, cheering me on.
“I would also like to thank my coach (Simon Baker) who has helped me get to the Olympics, battling all the lockdowns and restrictions that interrupted my training and pushing me to be my best.”
