It was arguably the biggest decision of his life.
But when the Australian Team marches into Rio’s Maracana Olympic Stadium in Brazil for the opening ceremony, Geelong best and fairest Mark Blicavs will have no regrets.
“No, it was a big decision when I made it but I’m really happy with the path I’ve taken and no regrets. I’ve got a few mates who have qualified for Rio and I look forward to watching them.” Blicavs said.
Ever since he was little, Blicavs dreamt of representing Australia at the Olympic Games as a middle-distance runner, but three years ago he bit the bullet, and took a punt on an AFL career with the Cats.
The gamble paid off big time with Blicavs becoming, in my opinion, Geelong’s most valuable and versatile player. Financially it was also the right move with an AFL contract paying far more money than an elite level track athlete here in Australia.
In hindsight, Blicavs’ decision to hang up his track spikes for a pair of footy boots seems like a ‘no-brainer’ but at the time it wasn’t so clear cut.
Not even the Cats could have dreamt the 198 centimetre utility would make such a meteoric rise into AFL ranks, while on the Aths track, his progress meant Blicavs would have been on the cusp of Olympic selection this year.
In 2012 - the year he joined the Cats - Blicavs attempted to qualify for the London Games. His official personal best that year was 8 minutes, 53 seconds for the 3000 metres Steeplechase, that’s 23 seconds off automatic Olympic qualification. On the surface he appears a fair way off Olympic standard, but keep in mind endurance runners don’t usually hit their peak until their late twenties, meaning Blicavs would have been touch and go, to go to Rio.
“I’ll be keeping an eye on the Olympics and watching it being a supporter but I am loving playing for Geelong.” Blicavs said.
Born into Australian basketball royalty, there will most likely be one Blicavs in green and gold on the aeroplane to Brazil.
“My sister’s in the squad for the Opals team so I’d love to see her make it as well.” Blicavs said.
When the best athletes in the world line-up on the starting line for the heats of the Olympic Steeplechase mid-August Mark Blicavs will be lining up for the Cats against Richmond at the MCG as the tallest ruck rover to play the game.
“Hopefully I’ll play through the midfield the whole time this year.”
“I’ve trained hard and worked hard through the midfield and the wing so if I can hover around there for the rest of the season I’ll be very happy.” Blicavs said.
Instead of going for gold, Mark Blicavs will be after September silverware and as a passionate Cats fan – I’m very glad Blitz made the switch to footy.
Go Cats!
Sean Sowerby
Channel 7 News Sports Presenter/Reporter
Born and raised on the Bellarine Peninsula
Geelong Cats member
