Community | 08 July, 2021

Dr Paul Narracott: The Olympian Among Us

Patients at Wanniassa Dental Surgery are often surprised to find out that their dentist was once considered one of Australia’s greatest 100-meter sprinters.

A dual Olympian, Dr Paul Narracott's impressive career on the track includes six 100-metre national titles, a 7th place finish at the 1983 World Championships, beating sprinting legend Carl Lewis in a 60m sprint in January 1984 just before the Olympics in Los Angeles, plus a Winter Olympics appearance in 1992.

Of the many highlights the ever-humble Paul says “Over a career there are lots of downs, lots of bad days, and a few good days. I think at the end of your career it’s nice to look back and have a few bright moments to remember.” 

Paul was especially proud of his sub-ten run in Brisbane.

“It was nice to have done that. At that point in time, I was probably in the form of my life and I guess the coaching staff would say that’s what we expected you to do. It’s probably where you’ve got to be if you’re going to be running for Australia at the Olympics in men’s sprinting.”

Paul's run in Brisbane places him in an select group with only two other Australians ever breaking the 10 seconds barrier.

"It’s a small club in Australia. To do it is great. I wished I had done it at the Olympics, but it didn’t happen.” 
Paulnarrocott Sprinting 810X582

Even as an elite Athlete, Paul had his eyes firmly on his future, which was why he decided to start studying Dentistry.

“I was always interested in the sciences. Initially I studied physical sciences at Uni of Qld where I boarded at King’s College, a residential college on the St Lucia campus. It was here I met several blokes who were enjoying studying health sciences. Their career prospects seemed much better than mine so when I graduated, instead of pursuing a PhD in a physical science, I enrolled in Dentistry.  While it was very difficult to combine studying Dentistry and an elite sporting career, which took me to the Australian Institute of Sport for 3 years, the journey was well worth it.”

Paul graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Science (1980) and Dental Science (1987), then made the move to Canberra to begin his career, commencing work in private practice. However, even after starting as a Dentist, Paul was not content to leave his athletic days behind him, soon setting his sights on the Winter Olympics. 

Paulnarrocott Spinter 810X988
“I just loved playing sport, so it didn’t matter what it was. An opportunity came up to get involved with the bobsleigh team at the time. I’d seen it on television, and I thought, ‘This looks like a lot of fun and you really only get one chance while you’re young’, so I had a crack at it and things fell my way and I was able to get to the 1992 Albertville Winter Olympics. It was great.” 

Paul became the first Australian to compete in both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games when representing Australia at Albertville in 1992.

As a former elite athlete what does wellness mean to Paul?

“While the word “wellness” would not have been used in my athletic days, the concept of it, would mean – I was injury free, in tremendous physical shape, ready to race anyone, anywhere, anytime. Un-wellness was common.
Fortunately, with time our priorities change. Today I probably think of wellness as being fit-for-purpose for the various roles I have in my life. I’m a dentist, a husband, a father of adult children and a “wannabe “golfer. If I don’t look after my physical and mental health, then I’m no use to anyone.”

Despite having a remarkable athletic career Paul remains very humble, finding balance in the the little things in life.

Dr Paul Narrocott & Wife | Canberra Dentist Who was Once One of the Fastest Men on the Planet
“I find having a good routine outside of the surgery very helpful. Regularly exercise, even if it’s just a short walk with my wife to local shops helps me unwind and keep me balanced. I enjoy a privileged life and try to remember that always- it keeps me grounded.”

Original Article: Champions among us: Canberra dentist Paul Narracott was one of the fastest men on the planet - Riotact