To Run: Ross Martin

This documentary by the Australian Commonwealth Film Unit highlights the rigorous training undertaken by Ross Martin to compete in cross-country skiing.

Ross Martin was an Australian cross-country skier who competed at the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble, France. In the 15 km event he finished 60th, out of 72 competitors, and 60th out of 63 in the 30 km event.

He was a legend in Australian skiing. Martin held the Kiandra to Perisher record and set the Mount Kosciuszko summit record on wooden cross-country skis, a record that stood for more than 20 years.

He also enjoyed trekking in Nepal, alpine skiing, bike racing, triathlon, ocean swimming and event riding. He even competed in the Simpson Desert Bike Challenge in 1988 and won the race in 1989. He was killed in a bike accident in 2011.

Australia first competed in the Winter Olympic Games in 1936, but it wasn't until 1994 that we won our first medal (bronze) for the short track speed skating. Our first gold medal was famously won by Steve Bradbury when all the other speed skaters crashed on the final turn.

Overall we have been most successful with freestyle skiing, starting with Alisa Camplin winning gold (aerials) in Salt Lake City in 2002.