The first track session of a new year always carries a bit of symbolism, but for Mia Gross, the opening hit-out of 2026 came with something extra. Back at the Lakeside Stadium with the VIS, the Paris Olympian and Commonwealth Games relay medallist kicked off her season with a pure speed session, and a first-ever experiment with overspeed running using a 1080 system. Equal parts excitement and nerves, the session marked a deliberate shift in focus as Gross looks to lift her top-end speed after a long road back from a physically demanding 2025 campaign.
The overspeed work delivered immediate feedback, and a breakthrough moment. Pushed just beyond her usual limits, Gross recorded the fastest metres-per-second she’s ever hit in training, offering an early glimpse of what 2026 could hold. More than just numbers, the session reflected a mindset built on patience, experimentation and belief in the process. The video below captures the session in full, from warm-up to reflection, as Gross sets the tone for the year ahead.
