From Werribee Secondary College to Paris Olympics, Amy Cashin’s journey is a testament to resilience and dedication in track and field.
Amy Cashin is a name gaining traction in the track and field world, she made her mark by clocking an Olympic steeplechase qualifying time of 9:28.60 securing her place in the Tokyo Olympics. This remarkable achievement catapulted her from number 10 to number five on the Australian all-time list. Despite facing several freak accidents throughout her career, Cashin, now based in the USA, is set to make her second Olympic appearance in Paris, following her debut in Tokyo.
Cashin’s journey began in Werribee, where she attended Werribee Secondary College. From a young age, she was involved in gymnastics and running with Werribee Little Athletics. As a state-level gymnast, she trained from age three to 12 and again from 14 to 18, using gymnastics to supplement her running. At the age of 10, she was encouraged by her PE teacher to pursue athletics after performing well in her school’s cross-country event. By 14, she had won the Pacific School Games title in the steeplechase.
In 2013, Cashin represented Australia in the World Cross Country Championships, competing in the U20 race. She later attended West Virginia University, where she ran cross country and indoor track. However, her 2014 season was cut short due to a concussion caused by a door accident.
Despite setbacks, Cashin’s perseverance paid off. In 2016, she significantly improved her steeplechase time to 10:11. By 2018, she had shattered her personal bests across various distances, including a 9:58.75 in the steeplechase, earning her a spot in the NCAA semi-finals.
In 2019, another concussion, this time from a medicine ball incident in the gym, temporarily derailed her progress. Nonetheless, she made a strong comeback with promising performances in early 2020, including an indoor 3000m run in 8:57. Although the season was halted due to COVID-19, Cashin used the time to complete her Master’s degree.
Beginning her Ph.D. in early 2021, focusing on coaches’ mental health, Cashin returned to the steeplechase with impressive results. She ran a personal best of 9:28.60, securing her place in the Tokyo Olympics. There, she clocked 9:34.67 in the first round, marking the second fastest time of her career.
In 2022, Cashin continued to excel, winning the Australian Championship and setting a new personal best of 9:27.91 in Portland. At the World Championships, she achieved a record-breaking 9:21.46, the fastest time by an Australian woman at the event, narrowly missing the final. She also placed fifth at the Commonwealth Games and debuted in the Diamond League with a time of 9:24.19.
Returning to Australia for the 2023 Nationals, Cashin secured third place in a closely contested race. Named in the Australian team for the World Championships in Budapest, she finished 8th in her heat with a time of 9:31.07. Her journey towards the Paris Olympics in 2024 continues with impressive wins at the National Championships and Oceania Championships, and a standout 9:26.85 in Los Angeles.
Cashin’s brother, Liam Cashin, is also a distinguished athlete. He won the gold medal at the 2022 Oceania Athletics Championships in the 3000 metres steeplechase, adding to the family’s impressive track and field accomplishments.
Amy Cashin’s remarkable achievements and resilience continue to inspire, marking her as a standout athlete from Werribee on the international stage.
