Kylie Minogue’s old dancing partner Genevieve Gregson lauds husband for third Olympics

She once famously crashed the 2014 Commonwealth Games closing ceremony to dance alongside Kylie Minogue, but triple Olympian to be Genevieve Gregson is far more famous for her athletics.

Australian athletic golden girl Genevieve Gregson said having her running husband alongside her during the uncertainty of last year’s COVID-19 shutdown inspired her to keep her dream of a third Olympic Games alive.

Gregson (nee LaCaze), 31, has been selected for her third Olympic Games campaign, a remarkable achievement for a girl from the northern Gold Coast who went to John Paul College in Logan City.

“When I was a junior moving through the ranks, never in my wildest dreams did I think I would make the Olympics, let alone three,’’ Gregson said.

Australian athletics golden couple Ryan Gregson and Genevieve LaCaze. Picture : Ian Currie

“Since competing in London 2012 Olympics, I have dedicated my life to being the best athlete I can be so it’s so rewarding to see it pay off.

“I think having my husband on this journey over the last year has been my biggest advantage. “He has helped me focus on my job at hand and not get caught up in things I can’t control.’’

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With Ryan alongside her, the 3000m steeplechase exponent spent much of 2020 and early this year churning through the Daisy Hill Forest, along the Southport Spit and on the training tracks at both Somerset College Athletics Track and University of Queensland.

Genevieve Gregson of Australia at the 2019 IAAF World Athletics Championships when she was co-captain of the Aussie team. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

“My husband has been a constant in my running career that many don’t have the privilege of having,’’ said Gregson, who once famously crashed the closing ceremony celebrations at the 2014 Commonwealth Games when she danced alongside singer Kylie Minogue who was performing Locomotion.

“To travel the world while training and competing can quickly become very lonely and stressful.

“For us, it has been the best years of our life so far.

“Ryan hasn’t yet qualified for Tokyo (Olympics) but he will go overseas with me in a few weeks to chase the qualifying time in the 1500m.

Genevieve Gregson competing late last year (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)

“I hope we can both tackle our third Olympic Games together, as we’ve always done.’’

Gregson, the 2019 Australian athletics co-captain at the world titles, was also chasing a qualifying time in the 10,000m after being confirmed on the team through her 3000m steeplechase performances.

Australia's Genevieve Lacaze (left) and Eloise Wellings (centre) run during the final of the Women's 5000m at Olympic Stadium, 2016. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)

“I have big expectations for Tokyo. I know I have yet to see my full potential,’’ she said.

“In Tokyo, top eight is my baseline however I want to aim for top five as my ultimate goal.’’