Summary of Podcast Episode #35 Angelina Lucas-Legrand & Kerry Lucas: Raising a Champion – Sport, Family & Olympic Dreams

Ann-Marie Antic • July 21, 2025

Summary of Podcast Episode #35 Angelina Lucas-Legrand & Kerry Lucas: Raising a Champion – Sport, Family & Olympic Dreams

In a world that often focuses on medals and milestones, the story of Angelina Lucas-Legrand and her mum Kerry Lucas offers a refreshing perspective—one where family, passion, and perseverance take centre stage. In their recent conversation on the D8 Training Podcast with Ann-Marie Antic, we explore what it truly means to raise and become a champion, beyond the podium.


At just 17, Angelina has already carved out a name for herself in the competitive world of race walking, earning six national titles. But her journey isn’t just about accolades—it’s rooted in a deep family love for endurance sport. With Kerry, a passionate runner, and a grandmother who was a marathoner, it’s no surprise that Angelina’s path led her to the track. She first discovered her talent at Little Athletics, and by 14, she was taking race walking seriously.


But what makes her story remarkable isn’t just talent—it’s the environment that allowed it to flourish.

A Mother's Wisdom: Let Them Explore

Kerry shares her thoughtful philosophy on raising an athlete: let them try everything. From soccer to gymnastics, Angelina was encouraged to explore different sports before committing to one. This approach not only helped build a strong foundation but also minimised the risk of overuse injuries—something many young athletes face when they specialise too early.


At D8 Training, we echo this approach in the gym by focusing on balanced strength development, proper technique, and injury prevention strategies tailored to growing bodies. Our youth programs are designed to support athletic performance across all sports—not just one—helping young athletes build coordination, resilience, and confidence that transfers to the field, track, or court.  


More importantly, Kerry prioritised joy over pressure. Her mantra, “Have fun, do your best”, created a supportive, calm space where performance wasn’t just about results—it was about growth, learning, and love for the game.

Training, Mindset, & the Teenage Balancing Act

In the episode, Angelina opens up about the mental and emotional side of training. Like many young athletes, she juggles schoolwork, social life, and early morning sessions. Motivation can waver, but Angelina’s approach is mature beyond her years. She breaks goals into bite-sized wins, embraces tough days, and finds satisfaction in simply showing up and doing the work.


Her ability to stay grounded while pursuing big goals is a testament not just to her mindset, but to the unwavering support from home.

Plod Squad: Turning Passion Into Purpose

Angelina is also an entrepreneur. To help fund her training and Olympic aspirations, she launched Plod Squad Apparel —a brand that celebrates all athletes, not just the ones on the podium. Her vision is to create a community that recognises effort, resilience, and the shared journey of sport.


Her hoodies have already gained traction (they’re loved at D8 Training!) and it’s clear she’s building more than a brand—she’s building a movement.

More Than Medals



This episode is about far more than race walking. It’s about what happens behind the scenes—the quiet persistence, the emotional rollercoasters, and the daily decisions that shape young athletes. It’s about parents who lead with love. About finding joy in the process. About chasing dreams while staying grounded.


As Angelina sets her sights on the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, her story reminds us that success isn’t defined by gold—it’s built through grit, gratitude, and the people who walk the journey with you


🎧 Tune in to this empowering episode here and take away practical lessons for sport, parenting, and life. Whether you’re an athlete, a parent, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of personal growth, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Connect With Angelina

👉 Connect on Instagram @angelina_athletics or @plodsquad_apparel 


👉 Support Angelina’s journey to the 2032 Olympics by purchasing a hoodie from Plod Squad Apparel —they’re not only Aussie-made and super comfy, but also great conversation starters that celebrate the grit behind every athlete’s journey.


👉 Learn more about D8 Training

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