It takes more than talent to become a 4 time OLYMPIAN and Australia’s GREATEST long distance runner; it takes consistency, balance, discipline, structure and determination. It also takes a special person to harness that knowledge and direct it to help many more individuals cross their finish lines as well.

Benita Willis tells an incredible story of becoming a professional track athlete in Australia, her humble upbringing in Mackay of outdoor activities, no pressure and no shoes in school. Although hockey was her preferred sport, where she went on to represent Australia in the under 18s and 21s side as a 17 year old, Benita made her first olympic appearance in the 5000m race at Sydney in 2000 - the same year the Hockeyroos won gold.

Traveling the world racing and training consumed her life for the following 12 years, where she achieved things no Australian has ever done before or since . Describing the hardest moment of that journey being 2008 when competing in New York her dad passed away and not long after went through a marriage separation, saying “I had to deal with my emotions first, because I wasn't enjoying racing anymore and so I was running shitty.”

Since retiring in 2012, Benita has been on a journey to define her passion as a human not just as an athlete. Settling down in Gold Coast Australia with her partner Anthony and pet dog Hunter, Bentia has directed her energy into coaching. Helping individuals get through hard times both emotionally and physically with her coaching business Lace Up Running. Sharing her worldly experience that’s preparing you for an enhanced life where you can cross more than just your running finish line.

You can find Benita here

https://laceuprunning.com.au

https://www.instagram.com/benitawillis_/

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