Melbourne, Australia; November 20, 2024 – Oceania’s one and only World Athletics Continental Tour Gold meet, the Maurie Plant Meet – Melbourne, is stepping up to a new level this season, with the backing of the Victorian Government through its Significant Sporting Events Program.
The premier one-day meet at Lakeside Stadium on Saturday, March 29 will be supercharged, highlighting the event’s status as the centerpiece of the Chemist Warehouse Summer of Athletics.
With the boost in investment, Athletics Australia will look to amplify the meet’s offerings, bringing greater international and domestic talent to Melbourne’s world-renowned sporting stage.
Steve Dimopoulos, Victoria’s Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events says the Victorian Government is proud to provide support to help the Maurie Plant Meet continue to grow.
“The Maurie Plant Meet is a highlight on Victoria’s sporting calendar, welcoming some of the best athletes from around the world for our prestigious World Athletics Continental Tour Gold event.
“The 2025 event will be bigger and better than ever thanks to the Significant Sporting Events Program.”
Held at a time when Australian athletics is riding a wave of global success, the 2025 edition of the Maurie Plant Meet – Melbourne will bring together Australia’s Olympic and Paralympic heroes for a true homecoming celebration.
Fans will witness elite performances that reflect the sport’s recent triumphs. Unforgettable energy will fill the stands as athletes take on their rivals in white-hot fields in the Continental Tour Bronze pre-meet earlier in the afternoon and the main events throughout the night.
After defeating world champion Jake Wightman (GBR) in last year’s John Landy Mile at the Maurie Plant Meet – Melbourne, Olympic finalist Stewart McSweyn is excited for what the 2025 edition will bring, stating:
“The Maurie Plant Meet is already one of my favourite events on the calendar, and it’s only going to get bigger off the back of Paris this year,” McSweyn said.
“Australian athletes have proven they can match it with the best in the world and winning at home is always special, so we’re hoping for a packed crowd again in Melbourne.”
The annual meet has quickly become a favourite for fans and athletes alike, with crowds of over 6,000 attending in recent years – a testament to the growing appetite for athletics in Melbourne and across the country.
“Bringing together the world’s best athletes and Australia’s own champions at this event makes the Maurie Plant Meet – Melbourne, so much more than a competition. It’s a perfect match of world class athletics in a city and state with a long-standing passion for the sport. Our athletes will thrive showcasing our sport on the back of their successful year on the global stage.” Athletics Australia CEO Simon Hollingsworth said.
“With the support of the Victorian Government, we’re able to take the meet to the next level, delivering an experience that will inspire future generations and draw a global spotlight to Melbourne.”
The Continental Tour Gold series is the uppermost level on the World Athletics Continental Tour calendar, sitting just under the Diamond League in status.
Each meet attracts the best athletes across the globe, with 14 existing meets offered in Africa, Europe and Asia and now Oceania.
A cast of international and domestic signings are to be announced in the coming months.
