Athens Olympian Natalie Saville upstaged her more famous sister Jane in winning the NSW 10,000m walk championship at the Sydney Olympic track.

Natalie, representing Randwick Botany, overcame heat and humidity to time a slow 49m30.54s to beat Lisa Grant (Sydney University) and Cassandra Staples (Campbelltown).

"It was torture out there. The heat was terrible and I was expecting a slow time," Natalie said.

Jane Saville pulled out just after halfway as her younger sister moved away to successfully defend the title she won last year.

"Jane was a bit flat and didn't want to push herself. It was one of those races you don't enjoy and you wonder why you do it," said Natalie.

"I've just got over bronchitis and it was my first race for this year."

Another Athens Olympian, Luke Adams (Bankstown) faced similar problems in winning the men's 10,000m walk title in 42m30.86s from Ian Rayson (Mingara) and Tony Elms (Randwick Botany).

Adams said the climate change from his base at Canberra was huge.

"It was so hot and the track just got hotter the further I went. I won the 5000m walk last week and have finally got over injuries which ruled me out of the Atlanta and Sydney Olympics," said the 29-year-old Adams.

"Walkers get better as they get older and I'm starting to peak now. My desire is just as strong as ever."

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