Athletics Australia – News – VALE – Maxine Corcoran

Athletics Australia is today deeply saddened to announce the passing of Maxine Corcoran (nee Johnson) from a brain tumour after a short but courageous battle.

A mother of three and the wife of former Athletics Australia Chief Executive Danny Corcoran, Maxine’s athletics resume spans almost her entire life, with involvement as an athlete, a coach and a mentor; something we know her family and friends would be very proud of.

Maxine represented Australia at the 1978 Edmonton Commonwealth Games, where she won a silver medal in the women’s 4x400m relay, and again at the 1982 Brisbane Commonwealth Games.

The 400m national champion in 1978 and 1979, Maxine boasted personal bests of 12.19 in the 100m, 23.90 and 24.27 in the 200m, 52.04 in the 400m and 2.02.48 in the two-lap event.

After her retirement, Maxine’s attention shifted to coaching with her most recent charge, Kelly Hetherington, a semi-finalist in the 800m at the Summer Universiade earlier this year in Shenzhen (CHN). Maxine was there, urging her on from the stands.

Maxine, through her work as an active member of Athletics International, was a passionate supporter of the Athletics Australia Junior High Performance Program.

Her involvement included the establishing of a mentor program for both Athletics Australia’s Under 19 and Under 21 squads, whereby Maxine and her fellow retired Australian athletes continue to be instrumental in providing guidance to athletes as they transition from junior competition to senior representation.

Engaging, warm, funny and committed to the development of the sport she loved, Maxine away from the track worked alongside Bob Lay at the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.

Only six weeks ago, Maxine attended the annual Sport Australia Hall of Fame Awards. It was a night to remember for Maxine and her sport of athletics, with nominees including Sally Pearson, award winners including up and coming long jumper Brooke Stratton and Catherine Freeman an inductee as Legend.

Athletics Australia, its Board of Directors, management team and staff extend our most sincere condolences to Maxine’s husband Danny and her three children Nick, Daniel and Bridget.  While our words today may not ease your sadness, the legacy left behind by your wife and mother will bring happiness for you and many others for years to come.

Maxine’s funeral will be held in Melbourne with details to be made available as they come to hand.

 Athletics Australia – News