Melbourne Track Club was originally set up with support from Nike and Optus Telecommunications by Nic Bideau advised by accounting firm Peter Jess and Associates in 1997.
The aim was to develop a pathway to manage and guide talented Australian athletes to succeed in international competition. The original structure served only athletes able to represent Australia and from all track and field disciplines. Among those that were able to excel with the support of MTC in our early years include Cathy Freeman (world 400m champion 1997 and 1999), Tim Forsyth (high jump bronze medallist 1997 World Championships), Steve Moneghetti (marathon bronze medallist 1997 World Championships), Peter Burge (1998 Commonwealth long jump champion, Lisa Marie Vizaniari (silver medallist 1998 Commonwealth Games discus).