Elite cyclist in foot education program

Former Olympic and Commonwealth gold medal cyclist, Kathy Watt has become involved in a program to educate the younger generations on the importance of proper foot care and foot wear.

“Feet are very important to a competitive cyclist as considerable pressure is applied from the forefoot on the pedal transmitting the circular motion that propels the cycle forward” Kathy said during a recent visit to Highett Podiatrist, Kirstine Mann.

Kathy was not at the Highett Road clinic for a foot problem but rather to contribute to a forthcoming educational exhibition “Feet of Fame” to be mounted at the Scienceworks Museum, Spotswood from mid-September to mid-October.

“The Feet of Fame exhibit will display positive moulds of the feet of well-known identities from sporting, entertainment and political fields. The exhibit is designed to illustrate that no matter what we do in life we should care for our feet” Podiatry Association President, Matt Dilnot said. “In addition, it along with other foot and foot wear exhibits tells our younger generations of the importance of our feet in our daily lives”.

Whilst relaxing and having her feet moulded, Kathy, who has qualifications in physiology, pathology and physiotherapy, thought of the millions of times her feet had pushed the pedals to what is Australia’s most successful medal haul for a female cyclist.

“During my racing career, considerable importance was placed upon my footwear. Good fitting racing shoes were paramount. Considerable power is exerted through the feet in cycling, through very little surface area, hence the shoes must be a good fit, comfortable and not create any soreness or fatigue” Kathy said “. That is no different to a young child having his, or her first pair of school shoes, footy boots or runners fitted. Their comfort and fit is of paramount importance”.

The total exhibit created at the Scienceworks Museum by the Podiatry Association is designed in three parts, the first to show young visitors and their parents how different occupations require special footwear for different environments and walks of life. The second, which allows children to partipate, shows how may steps they would take in a year and the third shows the feet of personalities such as Kathy Watt, Marilyn Rowe, principal Australian Ballet School, “Corinella” the children’s editor from the Herald Sun, sporting identities and politicians.