Severe Storms and Power Outages Can't Stop 40th Alice Springs Masters Games

What Happened

Severe hail, strong winds and widespread power cuts failed to halt the 40th Alice Springs Masters Games. About 1,800 athletes entered more than 20 sports when the first hailstones fell on the Friday before the opening. By Monday a violent storm ripped through the town, toppling trees, snapping power lines and leaving roughly 9,000 homes without electricity. Hail the size of a golf ball struck Lyndavale Station southwest of town. The damage forced the cancellation of Tuesday’s golf competition and pushed Wednesday’s street party inside the Alice Springs Convention Centre. Volunteers and local residents cleared the flooded golf course and helped restore the venue.

Reaction

Veteran competitor Tim Henderson, whose wife captured six gold medals in swimming, described the weather as “extraordinary … massive hailstones and really strong winds and pulling down lots of trees.” He spent much of Tuesday with a chainsaw after the round was called off. Long‑time swimmer Margaret Roberts, who turns 89 next month, said wind and ice threatened the swimming schedule, but organizers managed to restart the races. Gosford athlete Andrew Hogg, winner of the Masters Mile, recalled seeing residents with chainsaws and saws working through the night, noting the community’s swift response.

Context

The Masters Games give older athletes a chance to compete in a range of sports while traveling to regional towns. Such events often rely on local volunteers to keep programs running when unexpected weather hits. The Alice Springs edition highlighted how community effort can sustain sport even during severe storms.