The world's top track and field athletes will compete in Melbourne this summer with the Maurie Plant Meet set to return in 2024, thanks to support from the Allan Labor Government.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos today announced the Oceania region's only World Athletics Continental Tour Gold-level meet will take place at Lakeside Stadium at Albert Park on 15 February 2024.
It will be returning to Melbourne after an epic 2023 Maurie Plant Meet in February this year, which saw more than 230 athletes representing 15 countries compete in front of a crowd of 6,000 fans - bringing fans from Victoria and afar to Melbourne for the top Australian invitational meet.
The 2024 Maurie Plant Meet will again feature some of Australia's top track and field athletes - including discus thrower Matthew Denny, who currently holds both the title of Diamond League champion and the Australian record for discus.
Tokyo Olympic finalist Linden Hall, the current Oceania record holder for the Women's 1500m, is also scheduled to compete in the event's 1500m race.
Linden and Mattheware just two of the big names of Australian athletics who will compete against a cast of international competitors that are expected to be announced in the coming months.
More than 2.3 million people tuned in to watch the 2023 Meet from across 140 countries and territories, showcasing Melbourne and Australia's athletes to a global audience.
For more information about the 2024 Maurie Plant Meet, including who will be competing and ticketing details, visit athletics.com.au
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sports and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
"We're proud to support this event that will not only bring thousands of athletics fans into Melbourne to enjoy a day of excitement, but also create an invaluable opportunity for Victorian track and field stars to take on some of the world's best with a home-turf advantage."
"In an already jam-packed summer of sporting events, cultural offerings and festivals, the 2024 Maurie Plant Meet will be another exciting must-see event in Melbourne - Australia's events capital."
As stated by Athletics Australia CEO Peter Bromley
"The Maurie Plant Meet - Melbourne was undoubtedly one of the highlights of the 2023 Chemist Warehouse Summer Season and we're so proud to bringing Oceania's only World Athletics Continental Tour Gold-level meet back to Lakeside Stadium, in what will be a big year for our sport leading into the Olympic and Paralympic Games."
