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Robert de Castella

Robert de Castella (Deeks) won his first marathon in 1979. Since then he has completed over 20 marathons, winning nine and finishing in the top ten in all but two. He has run under 2.10 in marathons on nine occasions 1981 to 1991, with the fastest time 2.07.51 in Boston in 1986. He held the World Marathon Record 1981 to 1984 and still holds other World Records.

He was Australian of the Year and awarded his MBE in 1983. In 1986 he was inducted into the Australian Sporting Hall of Fame and in 1990 he was named "World Marathon Runner of the Decade" by Track and Field News.

In July 1990, Robert took up the position of Director of the Australian Institute of Sport. During this period the AIS contributed to record-breaking results by Australian teams and athletes at both Olympics and World Championships. Rob resigned the AIS to establish his own company working in public health. Currently he is developing an innovative children's health monitoring and reporting service for schools and parents.

Rob is in high demand as a public speaker and corporate host. While no longer competing in marathons, he doesn't miss an opportunity to be part of the action as a commentator, his coverage including the 1998 Commonwealth Games, the 1999 World Athletics Championships and the Sydney 2000 Olympics.