By Gladys Barreta
Mother of two and athletic star Karley Crommie is showing that motherhood can be the beginning of, or an opportunity to rediscover new skills and achieve personal bests.
The Sydenham local is celebrating a story of self-discovery and strength after realising she needed to do something for herself and her health.
Realising fitness was better on the athletics track than in the gym, Ms Crommie refocused on doing what she loved and is set to compete at this year’s Australian Masters Games.
Having always been passionate about track and field, Ms Crommie re-joined athletics a few months after her firstborn and discovered a joy in achieving personal bests rather than simply aiming for podium finishes.
Ms Crommie is now coaching Little Athletics at Keilor and continues to run personal bests on the athletics track, recently breaking national indoor records in the 60m and 200m (Women’s 35s) at the Australian Masters Indoor Championships.
“After I had my firstborn, I remember walking up a big flight of stairs and being so out of breath,” Karley recalls. “I knew I needed to do something for my health.”
“As a teenager, it was all about winning. I always compared myself to others. Now, it’s about getting a personal best—just improving, season by season.
“As a mum, you need your ‘you’ time, and running is a great way for me to involve my kids.”
Ms Crommie wants to show other mothers that there are many ways to stay active while involving and bringing the kids along for the ride.
Ms Crommie’s son, Jesse (10), and daughter, Violet (8), have always been supportive, recording her races and cheering her on from the sidelines.
“Sometimes they’ll record my races, and you can hear them in the footage yelling, ‘Go Mum!’ Then they’ll meet me at the finish line and say, ‘That was awesome, Mum!’ It means everything.”
Ms Crommie recently clocked 12.80 seconds in the 100m, a time faster than her best as a teenager and most recently the Australian Masters Nationals, held from April 18-21, saw Ms Crommie run her personal best for the 60m, which was recorded as a Victorian Masters record.
“I feel like I’m at my peak, but at the upcoming games, I hope I can execute a perfect race, get a personal best, and beat it.”
“There are a couple of other mothers who have joined athletics and are now competing in Masters events.
“I feel supported in the Masters community, and there are older mums coming out to support me.”
Ms Crommie will be competing at the Australian Masters Games in Canberra from October 18-25, 2025.
“You don’t have to jump straight into competition. Just find something you love and do it for you. Your body has been through a lot, so give it time. Don’t be afraid to put yourself first; your kids will see that, and they’ll be proud of you for it,” she said.
“New mothers, or mothers-to-be, find your thing and make time for it.”
