World cross country 2023: Aussie Stu McSweyn back on track for medal after heart issue

Almost a year ago, Stewart McSweyn was struggling with a suspected heart issue. Now he’s relying on it helping he and teammates to a medal at the world cross country titles.

Stewart McSweyn competing in the 1500m semi at the world athletics championships last year.

It was a blip he didn’t need. Laid low with heart issues after a bout of Covid last March.

But nearly a year on Australian middle-distance pin-up Stewart McSweyn said he is feeling no adverse affects and is up for the challenge of chasing a piece of athletics history with Australia’s mixed relay team at the world cross country championships in Bathurst on Saturday.

“It was a crazy curve ball. It’s amazing what a difference a year makes,’’ said McSweyn who was initially diagnosed with pericarditis after contracting coronavirus.

“But it was hard to know what was going on. It was a bit scary,

“I’m back to full health now but it set me back for a couple of months.

Stewart McSweyn in the 1500m semi-final at the 2022 World Athletics Championships.

“I wasn’t sure how I felt. I was a little nervous getting back to be honest. You never know if you can get back to you best.’’

But back he is and ready to lift to a new level for Australia at the world cross country championships in regional NSW.

The middle distance gun believes form, grit and heart are key ingredients to success for the Australian team at the world championships on Saturday where the host nation goes into the relay as a realistic medal chance.

McSweyn will combine with Oliver Hoare, Abbey Caldwell and Jessica Hull in an all-star quartet over the 2km course at Mount Panorama.

Stewart McSweyn racing in Tasmania.

“To be competitive at a home championships is going to be massive,’’ he said.

“We have a great team, the best we can put together. I think we can do well and it’s going to be an amazing experience.

“This is a tough course and being tough, having heart and all executing good races will be the key for us.

“Wearing an Aussie jersey will give us 10 per cent extra.”

McSweyn, who grew up on weather-swept King Island in Bass Strait on a remote cattle farm, originally fancied a career in AFL footy,

Athletics wise he admits he didn’t start showing real promise until just a few years ago.

“I was late developer. I didn’t see the results as quickly as others. It wasn’t until I was 21, 22 that I was close to being competitive.’’

Now 27, he’s ready to make a mark at the world cross country championships in the team really event with some disappointment from the Tokyo Olympics fuelling him.

“I was pleased but you go in hoping for a medal though,” he said of his Tokyo finals apperance.

Star duo Ollie Hoare and Stewart McSweyn after competing in the Open Mile race at Devonport.

“I wanted to win the race but on the day I raced the best I could.

“I was seventh, I was a little disappointed.”

African powerhouses Ethiopia and Kenya are the teams to beat in the mixed relay on Saturday.

Australia is one of 15 teams in the event where each competitor will run a loop of approximately 2km before handing over a wristband to a teammate.

AUSTRALIAN TEAM FOR 2023 WORLD CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS

Men’s 10km – Jack Rayner, Matthew Ramsden, Brett Robinson, Rorey Hunter, Andy Buchanan, Ky Robinson.

Women’s 10km – Rose Davies, Leanne Pompeani, Caitlin Adams, Isobel Batt-Doyle, Georgia Hansen, Ellie Pashley.

Mixed 2km Relay – Stewart McSweyn, Abbey Caldwell, Oliver Hoare, Jessica Hull.

Under 20 Men’s 8km – Logan Janetzki, Archie Noakes, Jack Coomber, Cael Mulholland, Ciaran Rushton, Bailey Habler.

Under 20 Women’s 6km – Amy Bunnage, Gabrielle Schmidt, Gabrielle Vincent, Aspen Anderson, Claudia Meaker, Fieke Van Der Kamp.

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