The First In, Last Out: Meet the Technical Team Behind Every Athletics Competition
Long before the starter raises the gun and long after the final medal has been presented, one team has already put in a full day’s work.
Hidden beneath the grandstands, tucked away in the technical shed, you’ll find the heartbeat of any athletics competition. Surrounded by hurdles, throwing implements, measuring equipment, replacement spikes, high jump bars and, more often than not, a bag of mixed lollies to keep everyone going through the long days, the technical team quietly prepares every piece of equipment needed to deliver competition.
They are the first to arrive, the last to leave and, if they’ve done their job well, you’ll barely notice they were there at all.
As part of our series highlighting the officials who work behind the scenes of athletics, we spoke with Australian Technical Manager Lauren Curry, currently the only female Technical Lead in Australia.
“The technical manager is responsible for ensuring that the venue, equipment, technology and technical team are ready and functioning throughout the meet,” Curry explained.
“They are the link between the competition director, officials and the venue staff. While athletes and officials are the most visible participants, the technical manager’s role is essential for delivering a fair, safe, accurate and successful athletics competition.”
Most people see competition begin with the first race on the track. For the technical team, it begins the evening before.
“We have a debrief and go through the following day and plan what needs setting up first,” Curry said. “If it is moving high jump or pole vault bags, we try to get that done before we head home.”
By the next morning the team is back at the venue around three hours before the opening event. Each member takes responsibility for a different area of the venue, whether that’s the track, jumps or throws, while Curry and her team prepares the implements for the first events before completing a walk around the stadium to ensure every competition site is correctly set up and nothing has been overlooked.
Once the competition starts, the work shifts from preparation to constant problem solving.
“Once the comp starts, we follow the schedule and make any changes to event sites as needed,” Curry said. “Regarding hurdles and steeplechase movements, the technical manager coordinates all changes and resolves any issues while keeping the event running to schedule.”
At major championships there is another layer of coordination taking place behind the scenes.
“If the event is live streamed, the technical manager is in communication with the competition director regarding changes to sites and movements.”
While spectators are watching the action unfold, the technical team is already preparing for what comes next, moving equipment between events, resetting venues and responding to issues before they become visible.
After the final event, there is still plenty of work to do.
“Event sites are packed down and reset for the following day, and we have our debrief and prepare the venue for the following day.”
Every hurdle, landing mat, throwing cage, measuring tape and competition implement used throughout a meet has already been inspected long before an athlete arrives. The technical team spends the day before competition checking equipment, setting up event sites and ensuring facilities meet the required competition standards.
Throughout the meet they continue monitoring conditions, managing safety, responding to equipment failures and solving problems while competition carries on around them.
“Technical’s biggest challenge is scheduling changes,” Curry said. “This is when event sites get changed with little notice. We also face managing equipment malfunctions, safety issues and technology issues while competition continues.”
“Through careful preparation and quick problem solving, we prevent these issues from affecting athletes, officials or spectators. When a meet runs smoothly and without disruption, it is often because the technical team has successfully handled numerous challenges behind the scenes.”
The role demands much more than knowing where equipment belongs. Technical officials need a unique mix of practical knowledge, teamwork and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
“To be a successful technical team member, you need a combination of technical knowledge, attention to detail, problem solving ability, teamwork and reliability,” Curry said.
“You need to understand competition equipment and venue requirements, work safely and efficiently, communicate effectively with officials and remain calm when unexpected issues arise. The team has to be proactive, adaptable and willing to take initiative. We take pride in preparing the competition environment to the highest standards and understand that this plays a vital role in ensuring athletes can compete safely, fairly and successfully.”
Curry’s leadership is also helping reshape what the technical team looks like. As Australia’s only female Technical Lead, she hopes her journey demonstrates that there is a place for anyone willing to put their hand up.
“Being the only female technical manager in Australia is a privilege which I don’t take for granted,” she said.
“It has certainly had its challenges over the years, but it also reflects the hard work, dedication and commitment I have given to the sport.”
She is quick to point out, however, that she doesn’t want to be defined by her gender.
“Ultimately, I want to be recognised not because I’m a woman in the role, but because I’m a capable, knowledgeable and respected technical manager who helps deliver safe, fair and successful competitions.”
“If my journey also helps open doors for future generations of women in athletics, then that is something I’m incredibly proud of.”
Her advice for anyone considering joining the technical team is simple.
“I’d say go for it. The technical side of athletics is one of the most rewarding parts of the sport because you’re not just watching the competition happen, you’re helping make it possible.”
“You don’t need to know everything at the start. What matters most is being willing to learn, ask questions and be reliable. Start small, help where you can and build your experience over time. There are always people in technical who are willing to teach and support you.”.
“Technical is a family.”
The next time you attend an athletics meet, take a moment to look beyond the finish line and beneath the grandstand.
You may never notice the technical team moving equipment, solving problems or preparing the next event.
But without them, there would be no competition at all.
ENDS