A REDUCTION in handicap was no obstacle for Sydney runner Davina Strauss who took out the State of Victoria Strickland Family Women's Gift.
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Strauss, who was a comfortable winner of the women's gift in 13.98 seconds, had her handicap reduced from 14 to 10 metres for the final because not all relevant information was available at the time of original handicapping.
The former world master beach sprint champion said she was shocked at how well she had done in the 120-metre race.
"I'm normally a beach flagger and this is the first year that I've started doing some longer running," Strauss said.
"I'm usually only good for about 30 to 60 metres so I'm surprised in myself."
Strauss said it was a dream come true to win the women's gift after edging out Hana Basic, 14.05 seconds, and Lynette Mattingly, 14.10, in Monday afternoon's decider.
Australian sprint veteran Tamsyn Manou failed to qualify for the final in her 17th and last Stawell Gift Carnival.
The three-time Olympian and 2000 Stawell Women's Gift winner was knocked out in the semi-finals.
