From Motherhood to Mastery

This Mother’s Day, we’re celebrating a story of speed, strength and self-discovery. Meet Karley Cromie, a mother of two who’s not only rediscovered her love of athletics but is now running faster than she ever did as a teenager.

Karley’s athletic journey started at 12, dabbling in Little Athletics until the demands of teenage life took over. Then came work, motherhood, and like many women, a long pause on personal pursuits.

“After I had my firstborn, I remember walking up a big flight of stairs and being so out of breath. I knew I needed to do something for my health,” Karley realised.

She tried the gym, but it didn’t stick. What did? A return to the track, this time with a whole new mindset.

“As a teenager, it was all about winning. I always compared myself to others. Now, it’s about getting a personal best, just improving, season by season,” Karley reflected.

Juggling athletics with motherhood wasn’t easy at first. Karley recalls breastfeeding between events and keeping competitions short and sweet. But over time, her children Jesse (10) and Violet (8) became part of the rhythm, riding scooters around the track, warming up with their mother, and always cheering her on.

Karley loves the support she has from her kids, saying that “Sometimes they’ll record my races, and you can hear them in the footage yelling ‘Go mum!’ Then they’ll meet me at the finish line and say, ‘That was awesome, Mum!’ It means everything.”

Now, Karley is smashing her teenage times, clocking 12.80 seconds in the 100m, down from 13.04 seconds. She’s even broken two indoor national records at the Australian Masters Indoor Championships in the 60m and 200m (Women’s 35s). And she’s not done yet: “I’m chasing a 12-flat in 100m.”

Karley’s journey is more than medals and milestones. It’s about carving out space for herself, setting an example for her kids, and proving that age and motherhood don’t set limits.

“Before athletics, my day had no structure, just stress. Now I’ve got this sanctuary. And my kids have learned that chasing your passion is worth it,” Karley explained.

For other mothers thinking about taking up a sport or getting active again, Karley’s message is simple: start small and be kind to yourself.

“You don’t have to jump straight into competition. Just find something you love and do it for you. Your body has been through a lot, so give it time. Don’t be afraid to put yourself first; your kids will see that, and they’ll be proud of you for it.”

Karley believes mother’s all need to find their thing; something they make time for just for themselves. Focusing on athletics and succeeding in her sport sets a real example for her kids to see perseverance and determination in action.

“New mothers, or mothers-to-be; find your thing and make time for it,” Karley concluded.

Karley’s story is a reminder that motherhood doesn’t mean the end of personal goals; it can be the beginning of something even greater. No matter your age or stage of life, it’s never too late to chase a dream, set a new pace, and show your kids the power of doing something just for you.

Are you ready to find your passion? Find your sport and register for the Australian Masters Games in Canberra, 18 – 25 October 2025.