Australian Olympic Sprinter Bree Rizzo Announces Pregnancy Ahead of Stawell Gift Anniversary
Australian Olympic sprinter Bree Rizzo has publicly announced that she is pregnant, sharing the joyful news just before the one-year anniversary of her historic Stawell Gift victory. The 30-year-old athlete, who made the 100m semi-finals at the Paris 2024 Olympics, revealed that she and her husband Matt are expecting their first child in October, describing it as a "little secret" they can now celebrate.
Return to Stawell Gift as Channel 7 Commentator
Rizzo will be returning to the iconic Easter classic, the Stawell Gift, not as a competitor this time, but as part of the Channel 7 commentary team. This event holds special significance for the couple, as it is where they first met. Matt Rizzo, himself a Stawell Gift winner from 2017, will be cheering from the sidelines as his wife takes on this new role. The 2026 event will be broadcast live and free on Channel 7 and 7plus Sport, marking a fresh chapter for Rizzo after a busy two months.
Emotional Announcement and Family Reactions
The Rizzos shared their pregnancy announcement across social media, with Bree posting a heartfelt message: "Half of you + half of me. We can’t wait to meet you in October little one." The couple also uploaded a YouTube video capturing the moment Matt learned the news on January 24, where his excited reaction included exclamations of disbelief and joy. The announcement sparked a flood of congratulatory messages from fellow athletes, including Australian running superstar Jessica Hull, Olympic runner Sarah Carli, and swimming stars Shayna Jack and Brianna Throssell, all expressing their excitement and support.
Reflecting on a Full-Circle Stawell Gift Triumph
Rizzo's Stawell Gift win last year was a monumental achievement, described by commentator Bruce McAvaney as "one of the all-time great runs" at Central Park. She won the race off scratch in a dramatic photo finish, bursting into tears immediately after breaking the tape. In her emotional post-race interview, Rizzo highlighted the personal significance, stating, "Honestly this one means so much to me. I met Matt here. He’s won, to both win it — so incredible." She added that winning off scratch was "mind-blowing" and a source of immense pride.
Matt Rizzo's Pride and Family Legacy
Matt Rizzo, who won the men's Stawell Gift in 2017 off a 7.5m handicap, expressed overwhelming pride in his wife's accomplishment. He remarked, "I’m absolutely stoked. What she’s done today is absolutely fantastic. To etch her name into the plaques is pretty special to me. She’s incredible. She’s won it off scratch, in red, she’s done better than me." This moment solidified their family's legacy in the event, with both now etched in its history.
Rizzo's Journey and Future Plans
Reflecting on her career, Rizzo shared that she nearly retired from sprinting at age 23 but has since achieved incredible milestones, including her Olympic appearance and Stawell Gift win. She said, "I’m just enjoying the journey. I started Gift racing when I fell out of love with surf lifesaving. I joined track and field to keep the spark alive. I wanted to retire at 23 and I am 30 this year and I am doing incredible things. I guess it is the way the story was meant to go. Matt is a big part of that. I am grateful to be here." As she prepares for motherhood and her commentary role, Rizzo continues to inspire with her resilience and success.
