By Hannah McNamara
After a life-changing event that tested his resilience and determination, Roscoe McDonnell defied the odds, proving that with a strong mindset, anything is possible.
Roscoe is known by many athletes across the globe for his incredible long-distance accolades, however, his initial path to success wasn’t so easy.
In his early 20s, a sudden motorbike accident, caused by a reckless drunk driver, robbed him of his love for running, leaving him paralysed and in a wheelchair for six years.
With a combination of relentless determination to defy the odds and an effective recovery process, he gradually built up his strength and began to walk, then jog and eventually he was miraculously able to get back to what he loves most...running.
Roscoe continued to work on his performance by consistently training until his life took a significant turn when he received a phone call from a friend in Canberra who was training for the Adelaide Harriers. His friend offered him an opportunity that he couldn’t pass up, so he took his chances, left his foster family and moved to Adelaide to further his training.
Taking his commitment one step further, Roscoe eventually found himself in Kenya where he honed in on his skills and perfected his performance. Roscoe lived with a family that accommodated eighty-three children, yet he still managed to get his training in for two hours each day. He cherished the experience, teaching the children English and sharing Australian songs with them. This period was not only about athletic training for him, but also about cultural exchange and personal growth.
As Roscoe’s running career progressed, he stayed with multiple families and tribes across various countries and immersed himself in different cultures and communities. Roscoe learned multiple different languages and formed lifelong friendships with people worldwide.
He appreciated the authenticity of connecting with the community, living in villages and adapting to local ways of life, rather than taking the usual tourist route.
“You can pay for safaris like a lot of people do, but to actually be there amidst it in a natural way, the way they see it, is much more scary…and a much more exhilarating experience,” Roscoe said.
Recently, Roscoe returned to Australia after competing in the 2024 Pan American Masters Games in Cleveland, Ohio, however, prior to the prejudice event, Roscoe sustained a significant leg injury, but you guessed it…this didn’t stop him.
Representing Australia, Roscoe won a gold medal in the 2000m Steeplechase, a bronze medal in the Half Marathon and placed 4th in the 1500m run and 5th in the 5000m run.
“Knowing that I achieved that with a hole in my leg is quite crazy,” Roscoe remarked.
In addition to his injury, Roscoe faced other challenges, including a flight delay that left him with only a day and a half to prepare for the vigorous marathon.
Although he may be known for representing Australia throughout his impressive list of accomplishments, competing both nationally and internationally, Roscoe’s focus is not solely on winning. He is passionate about improving his skills, setting personal goals and connecting with the people he meets, wherever he goes.
“What I love the most is meeting people from all different countries, not only racing but also making friends,” Roscoe said.
In his spare time, Roscoe dedicates himself to encouraging younger generations to excel in athletics. He shares his passion and drive with children, finding great joy in helping them become the best athletes they can be. After his recent trip to the Pan American Masters Games, Roscoe said the children he trains were excited for his return, eagerly waiting to hear about his achievements.
Roscoe is now 66 years of age and shows no signs of slowing down. From being bound to a wheelchair to most recently being crowned the All Pan American, Roscoe McDonnell is living proof of what can be achieved when you set yourself a dream…and run for it.
Roscoe McDonnell represented Australia and was recently crowned the All Pan American at the 2024 Pan American Masters Games in Cleveland, Ohio.
Photo credit: Hannah McNamara and supplied images
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