Remembering Terry Knape: A Dedicated Coach, Mentor, and Friend to Athletics

Australian Athletics are saddened by the passing of one of our athletics coaches, Terry Knape, who unexpectedly passed away on Sunday 16 February, 2025.

Terry has been actively involved in athletics across all levels of the sport over his lengthy career. He was committed to delivering engaging and fun athletics programs in schools and across the wider community. Terry was a Level 3 Performance Coach who coached local athletes at every level to compete at their best and mentored other coaches through his experience and enthusiasm. Terry’s passing is a tremendous loss to the athletics community, and he will be deeply missed.

Terry loved both officiating and coaching over many years. He selflessly served on numerous committees and was a former President of Eltham Little Athletics Club. He also coached athletics at Parade College for the past 15 years and was a valued member of their community. As an athlete, Terry competed for Collingwood Harriers. He was honoured with life membership of Diamond Valley Little Athletics Centre in 2011. On the day of his passing, Terry had already coached several little athletes at the Keilor regional championships and officiated at least two events before 9 am—a testament to his lifelong dedication to the sport.

One of Terry's sayings to athletes was: “Do what makes you happy and have fun.”

He was an encyclopedia of knowledge who understood the rules of our sport intimately. He was always up for a chat at the track. Terry's favourite novel would have been the most recent edition of the World Athletics Technical Rules handbook. Outside of athletics, Terry was proud of his three children and a very proud grandfather. He loved his family dearly. He also loved his Brisbane Lions, and seeing them win the premiership last year brought him so much joy and happiness.

Thank you, Terry. Our sport is richer because of you, and you will be remembered with gratitude and admiration.

Written by Matthew Hall.