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Profiles > Janet Nixon, Athletics - No photo finish needed for top Aussie official
Janet Nixon, Athletics - No photo finish needed for top Aussie official
Issue: Volume 4 Number 2
Being the first woman to become an international photo-finish official is an honour that is almost lost on down-to-earth athletics official Janet Nixon. She’s more concerned about doing her job well at whatever level she’s officiating.
‘I always aim to do the best job I possibly can and provide a good customer service for athletes, other officials and spectators,’ Janet said.
It’s a philosophy she’s carried throughout her 20 years as a photo finish official.
‘I have professional qualifications in computer science and when photo finish judging went digital I was really hooked,’ Janet said.
The fact that there were few women in the highly technical role has never held her back, according to Athletics Australia’s Dave Gynther.
‘Janet is extremely dedicated and is one of only a handful of International Amateur Athletics Federation photo-finish judges in the world,’ Dave said.
‘She proved herself at the Sydney Olympics and was then appointed Chief Photo-finish Judge at the Athens Olympic Games, which was a huge honour. She’s made it to the top in a sport where there aren’t too many female officials.’
While others have made much of this achievement, Janet doesn’t see herself as a pioneer.
‘I try not to focus on it. Others have said that I’ve broken through a barrier and now there is a path for others to follow and I guess that’s something I am proud of.’
The Athens Olympics gave Janet an opportunity to officiate overseas, and to build on the experience she gained in Sydney.
‘The Sydney Olympics were fantastic. We’d been training for the role for several years in the lead-up and it had been a fairly intensive program to get everyone up to speed, so by the time the Games came around everybody knew exactly what their roles were.
‘Athens was a whole new challenge and I had to overcome language and cultural differences, but it too was a fantastic experience.’
Right from the start Janet has made the most of every opportunity that has come her way.
‘I got as much experience as I could and put my hand up for everything from school meets, to interclub and national level meets.
She is grateful to those who helped her develop as a judge and is now keen to encourage others to take on similar roles, particularly younger people.
‘I actively mentor people so they stick around. Of course we want to keep the older volunteers, but we want to have new people as well.
‘The key is making sure volunteers enjoy what they’re doing, because they won’t come back if they’re not happy.’
Janet is a role model, whether she likes it or not, as Dave Gynther points out.
‘Being appointed to international events is reward for all the hard work. There are plenty of opportunities there for officials like Janet who are prepared to work hard at it.’
