McSweyn still calls King Island home

FOR Australian middle-distance runner Stewart McSweyn, King Island will always be home. 

“I always say King Island. I feel like my family is here. I grew up here. I always come back here, so it’s definitely still home for me,” McSweyn said when the Olympic athlete joined KI Run Club during the holiday season break. 

McSweyn had a landmark year in 2024, culminating in his participation in the Paris Olympics. 

Reflecting on the season with King Island RadioTV, McSweyn described it as a “massive year,” noting that Olympic cycles are the pinnacle of his sport. 

“For us, Olympic cycles are the big ones… it was a big buildup, a big year,” he explained. 

McSweyn competed in four events at the Games, calling it “a huge honour” to represent Australia. 

“Anytime you get to race for Australia at the Olympics is, yeah, firstly, the big focus and a huge honour,” he said. 

Despite always aiming for improvement, McSweyn expressed satisfaction with his performance. 

“I went out there, I gave it all in Paris. The four times I got to step out on the track were amazing.” 

McSweyn’s success is built on a foundation of relentless training. 

His daily routine includes running twice a day, gym sessions, and covering up to 160 kilometres a week. 

“Most mornings, it’s 14 to 25 kilometres of work, differing in intensities depending on the day,” he explained. 

With a focus on long-term goals, McSweyn prepares meticulously for the European season, which runs from May to September. “The European season for us starts in May and generally goes for four months, so that’s the big focus each year,” he said. 

Working backward from key events like the World Championships, McSweyn tailors his program to ensure peak fitness when the season begins. King Island, McSweyn says, provides an ideal training environment. 

“The air’s fresher than anywhere else in the world… the oval’s in great nick, the golf courses to run on are great. 

Compared to most places, this is such a great place to run.” 

Competing on the world stage comes with its challenges, particularly for an athlete based in Australia. “We’re probably at a little disadvantage. We’re so far away,” McSweyn admitted. 

While American athletes are only an eight-hour flight from Europe, McSweyn and his compatriots face a 22- to 23-hour journey. As a result, he often stays in Europe for the entire four-month season. 

Despite the distance, McSweyn feels the strong support of his community, especially during major events like the Olympics. 

“You definitely feel the support… a lot of people message, they’ll post through my parents. You see pictures of people at the pub watching on the big screen,” he said. 

For McSweyn, this support serves as motivation rather than pressure. 

“Pressure’s kind of privileged… you have an expectation on yourself that you can go out, not only represent yourself well but represent the community as well.” 

With 2024 behind him, McSweyn is already focused on the challenges ahead. 

The 2025 season kicks off with races in China and Doha in May, followed by the European circuit. 

The World Championships in Japan in September will be his primary goal. 

“The big focus is just putting four months of good training together and making sure when May comes around, I’m ready to put in some big performances overseas,” he said. 

In preparation, McSweyn will compete in events closer to home, including races in Tasmania. 

“They’re all stepping stones for the greater season,” he explained, adding that his focus for the next four months will be on “getting back into the community” and laying the groundwork for another successful year. 

As McSweyn continues to push his limits, he remains driven by his passion for the sport and the unwavering support of his community. 

“At the end of the day, it’s about enjoying it and taking it step by step,” he said. 

KI Run Club meets outside The Larder in Currie at 8.00 am on Saturday. 

Individuals, visitors, kids, families with dogs, prams, bikes are welcome to run, walk and ride the circuit and stay for a chat and coffee afterwards.