The indefinite closure of the synthetic athletics track at the Sydney Academy of Sport in Narrabeen has caused concern within local and elite athletics communities.
The track has been deemed unsafe due to significant surface damage, and as a result, authorities have closed the famous 400m track since December 2023. This has disrupted the training routines of numerous athletes and has also affected the scheduling of competitive events.
Unfolding Crisis
The discovery of “bubbles” and uneven surfaces has rendered the track unsafe for use, leading to its closure. This decision has impacted many users, from elite athletes to local juniors, causing frustration and concern within the sporting community.
The NSW Government’s Office of Sport is actively investigating the cause of the deterioration, which persisted despite a recent resurfacing in 2019 and subsequent repairs following flooding in 2022.
In response, the Office of Sport established a temporary six-lane track on the academy’s premises. However, this makeshift solution has faced challenges, including closures due to adverse weather conditions and limitations in accommodating the usual eight-lane competitions.
Community Response and Concerns
The closure has elicited reactions from various quarters, including former Olympic sprinter Melinda Gainsford-Taylor, who expressed concerns over the impact on athletes’ training regimes.
Jeff Wrightson, president of the Manly Warringah Athletics Association (MWAA), described the situation as a “nightmare,” emphasising the danger posed to athletes’ safety by the damaged surface.
The ongoing issues have spurred local MPs and community leaders to advocate for establishing an alternative full-sized synthetic track in the Northern Beaches. This push is driven by the urgent need to provide athletes with a safe and standard facility for training and competition, especially in light of the upcoming Brisbane Olympic Games in 2032.
Investigations and Remediation Efforts
As the Office of Sport continues its investigation into the root causes of the track’s deterioration, the athletics community remains hopeful for a swift resolution.
Geotechnical investigation work, including drilling test boreholes, began on 8 February 2024, aiming to understand the site’s response to various weather conditions and guide the next stages of remediation.
The Office of Sport has also set up an FAQ for those who may have questions about the remediation efforts.