Janet Munro came into our club after reading the column where we sort volunteers to help out at club meets.

Never did we stop to think at that stage that we would see this lady devote so much time, energy and dogged determination to not only our club, but to athletics in general through Athletics NSW and also Athletics Australia.

Her passing last week has left a large hole in our club, but one that her memory will allow us to fill by encouraging others to follow the path that Janet took.

Her quick wit was her greatest attribute along with her ability to ensure she did what she set out to do.

Janet was a great asset to have in any club, her encouragement to me as secretary/coach of IBS will never be forgotten by myself, as she was not only encouraging, she came up with ideas that on many occasions our club set out to deliver.

Many will say she took things seriously, and she did, as she saw our sport as a place to present a professional program for the many who participate in athletics.

But there was also the “funny side” of Janet Munro - the side that many of our young people saw when she walked out onto the track and handed out “smileys” or small lollies - just so everyone was given something.

She also showed a great ability to show people where they were going wrong as far as an official would see it, and tried to correct it on the next jump or throw.

Janet spent the previous weekend before her passing, out where she loved, as referee of the field events at the NSW Masters state titles, on the main track of track and field – Sydney Olympic Park (Homebush), and enjoyed the events of each day.

She was in her glory and masters athletes gave her a great deal of satisfaction, but also showed to her respect that she deserved.

Janet Munro will be sadly missed by us all in Illawarra Blue Stars and the athletic fraternity, but we as a club will not only remember with fond memories of what she did, but also for what she stood for – a person of pride, loyalty and above all, a friend of us all. 

Janet would love to have seen our three members of IBS in the masters section going to Korea and competing the very best that they can.  Gianna Mogentale, Lynda Douglas and Mary Thomas will take on the best at the World Indoor Masters Championships commencing this week.

Thomas and Mogentale have competed with great success in their first title event in Budapest and adapted well to the indoor surface, and they will bring this experience into these titles.

Mogentale will contest the 50/54 age bracket in the 60 metres, 200 and 400 and hopefully the Australian relay team whilst Thomas will compete in the 70/74 throws.

Douglas will contest her first indoor championship but coming off a good summer season, it is hoped she can bring this form indoors in the women’s 55/59 60 metres and 200 metres.