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BIOGRAPHY |
Growing up near the beach, and from a fifth generation of Coogee surf club members, it was no surprise swimming was Bailey Habler’s chosen sport.
But running was still in the background.
“I fell into the sport of cross country at the age of 10 years old, it was year 4 of primary school where I progressed through the rounds of the PSSA and managed to find my way into the NSW team that attended Albany, in Western Australia. At this point I hadn’t done much running or cross country while my focus lied on competitive swimming. Coached by my dad at the time running and cross country was a novelty and a passion that I was only starting to discover.”
Despite this promising start, progression was patchy for many years.
“Throughout my pubescent years I struggled to stay healthy and injury free and this ultimately held me back from the goals I wanted to achieve.”
At the end of 2020, coming out of the first year of COVID restricted competitions, Bailey, just 16, was getting noticed, particularly with 8:17.86 3000m time. After little racing in 2021, he was immediately in the frame for World U20 Championships selection for Cali in early 2022. He placed was second in the Zatopek U20 3000m race on Australian day, then in February twice ran under 3:48 in the 1500m. But COVID would affect his shot at World U20 Championships selection placing fifth in the 1500m trial for the team.
“I had decided to race but unfortunately my body wasn’t just right.”
Bailey didn’t race much in the leadup to the January 2023 Australian trial for the World Cross Country Championships, but got it right on the day, placing sixth and securing selection in the Australian team.
Hero: I wouldn’t say I have one hero or idol but someone that stands out to me is my coach Jeremy Roff, known to many as Roffy. He is someone that has influenced my life not only in cross country and athletics but also in my life holistically. Furthermore, Roffy isn’t just a coach for me he is one of my best mates and I wouldn’t know where I would be without his guidance and nurturing support over all these years…Advice to your young self: Be Patient! Hobbies: Growing up near the beaches I’ve spent most of my childhood in the ocean and surfing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember…Other sports played at a high level: Swimming when I was younger but chose to pursue my passion in athletics and cross country as I got older…Interesting family fact: 5th generation of Coogee surf club…What do you like best about competing: Being able to push yourself as an individual to ultimately achieve the best of your own ability…Famous relatives: My Dad (Cameron Habler) competed as a professional surf lifesaving ironman on both the Uncle Toby’s and Nutri-Grain series. And my Aunty (Leigh Habler) went to the Barcelona Olympics in 1992 for 200m backstroke.
@3 Feb 2023 david.tarbotton@athletics.org.au