Haftu Stintzos | Seize the Moment

Born and raised in the same Ethiopian air that is renowned for breeding athletics royalty, there is no denying that Haftu Strintzos is blessed with a gift for distance running. It’s a gift that is now flourishing at Villanova University, but don’t mistake the hard work of Strintzos for sheer talent. 

The endurance machine recently finished 9th at the NCAA Cross Country Championships – an annual affair that chews up and spits out the world’s best young runners like clockwork. The race demands suffering, and when those around him cracked – Strintzos shone. 

“It has never been a matter of fitness, just staying healthy and strong. In the past I have been tired and run down at the end of the season, but I knew that on a good day I could mix it with the top guys,” he said.

“I want to go for that win next year and the year after.” 

How hard can it be? Strintzos completed the undulating 10km course in 28:51 to finish 9th/253 athletes, after splitting 5:31 for the first 2km in order to establish a good position. 

Hailing from northern Ethiopia where he worked as a shepherd taking care of his family’s animals, Strintzos says the harsh terrain may have inadvertently formed the origins of his cross country prowess – but he had never heard of running as a sport until he moved to Australia in 2011. 

“My physical education teacher in primary school was quite encouraging, so I joined Little Athletics and that’s how I got into running,” he said.

The move spoke volumes to the character of Strintzos, who at the age of 12 in a foreign country was willing to seize an opportunity to grow and develop outside of his comfort zone – a theme that remains constant to this day. 

“It was quite overwhelming because my English was a bit of a problem, I had trouble in primary school and it took a lot of adjustment,” he said. 

Earning a full scholarship to an elite private school, Haileybury College, Strintzos bolstered his academic skillset whilst emerging on the national athletics scene under the guidance of Craig Mottram – with little knowledge that Villanova were tracking his progress with an eager eye. 

The university’s rich history with Australian athletes including Patrick Tiernan, Sam McEntee and Jordan Williamsz was appealing to Strintzos – despite having never traveled to the USA before.  

“It was obviously a huge opportunity to come here. If I had stayed in Australia, I didn’t want to reflect a few years down the track and regret it – I’m really happy with where I am now,” he said. 

“I wanted a school that has a good balance of academics and sport, and Villanova definitely has that.”

The move has proved a good one, with the 22-year-old lowering his 5000m (13:47.32) and 10,000m (28:51.06) bests dramatically whilst shining in cross country under the systematic coaching of athletics legend Marcus O’Sullivan. 

“The one thing you are guaranteed when you come to Villanova is that you are not going to burn out,” he said. 

With two seasons of cross country remaining and three seasons left on the track, Strintzos has big goals – including winning the NCAA Cross Country title and lowering Tiernan’s 27:59.74 10,000m record on the track. 

“COVID-19 has been horrible but it has opened up opportunities for myself and others. I hope to break that record before I leave here. Pat is a great guy and I have a lot of respect for him,” he said. 

If Strintzos can secure the cross country crown, he will join Morgan McDonald (2018) and Patrick Tiernan (2016) as recent Australian winners of the event – both of whom proceeded to become Olympians. 

From a shepherd in Ethiopia to a successful student athlete at Villanova University, the bottom line for Haftu Strintzos is simple: 

“I’m all about opportunities.” 

By Lachlan Moorhouse, Athletics Australia
Posted: 8/12/2021