breaking the two minute barrier with middle-distance runner catriona bisset

the [female] athlete project

Trigger warning: this episode mentions an eating disorder. If this impacts you and you feel like you need support, contact The Butterfly Foundation on 1800 ED HOPE (1800 33 4673).

In 2019, middle distance runner Catriona become the first Australian woman in a decade to break the two-minute barrier in the 800m.

Later that year, she set a new Australian record of 1:58.78, surpassing the 43-year-old record set by Charlene Rendina.

One of the most dominant middle-distance runners in the world that year, Catriona describes her return to the sport as a ‘happy accident’, after nearly a decade away from the sport while battling an eating disorder.

This series is presented by Nike, championing athletes like Catriona, listening to athlete’s needs and supporting them throughout all their journeys.

One of my favourite parts of this episode was Catriona’s discussion around her postgraduate degree in architecture, and in particular her thesis on running tracks, a beautiful connection that she feels between movement and making spaces a home.

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