The 36-year-old sprinter has become a mother and taken up part-time studies with a view to becoming a personal trainer.

While acknowledging it does not get any easier though with the added commitments as the years pass by, McCann said she has never been mentally stronger and more determined to succeed in a highly competitive athletics environment.

And it is showing on the track. The 2010 Stawell Women’s Gift winner had her biggest success of the 2015-16 Victorian Athletic League circuit in Geelong on Sunday – taking out the women’s gift.

It was a well deserved breakthrough for McCann, who had reached a series of gift finals this season such as Terang, Maribyrnong and Ringwood without claiming the major prize.

McCann, who is trained by Mick Benoit, said she had been pleased with her form after a hamstring injury had interrupted her program last season.

She said strong track and gym programs had given her a solid base as she worked hard on her overall fitness.

McCann said her diploma of fitness course had also been beneficial to her running  – exposing her to new ideas for training.

As one of the veterans in professional ranks, McCann knows how important it is to find a new edge to remain competitive against an ever growing group of youngsters.

She said it was encouraging to see more young athletes getting involved in the sport.

McCann said in the introduction of more age races was paying off in attracting youngsters to professional running. 

She said it was important they were supported if they were to try the sport and stay with it.

This is exactly what McCann intends to do, with no immediate plans to retire.

She said her love for the sport and competitiveness nature continued to be a major motivation for her.

Ballarat’s success at Geelong did not finish with McCann.

Jamie Johns again tasted success in the masters 300m. Coached by Rob Lehmann, Johns also won a masters 300m at the opening meeting of the season at Epping.

Ross Creek youngster Stephanie Mundy also won the under-20 100m.