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BIOGRAPHY |
Brisbane’s Jack Coomber has produced two outstanding cross country performances in the last six months, with the second effort, a third at the World Cross Country trials, securing a place on the Australia team for Bathurst at the age of just 17.
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Jack Coomber, started his journey in athletics aged six in parkruns. “At about 9-years-old I joined my first running club and really enjoyed it as I was very competitive and always wanted to do my best,” he said. He was also a talented soccer player. “I played football in the National Premier League and Brisbane Youth Premier League for many years from up to U16s. I almost gave up running to continue to play and focus on football/soccer at a higher level. I only continued running after making my first ever state cross country event two years ago.”
His journey in sport was not easy, suffering from Sever's disease (a swelling and irritation of the growth plate in the heel). “I had severs for nearly two years. Didn’t do much running or soccer/football these years and when I did I ran badly not being able to finish many races. It made it much harder to come back and continue training.”
Last year, he ran a promising fifth in the under-18 Australian Cross Country Championship in Adelaide, missing a medal by just five seconds. The in January at the World Cross Country trials in Canberra, he ran above expectations to place a brilliant third in the under-20 race and secure a place in the Australian team for the World Athletics Cross Country Championships to be held in Bathurst in February.
Hero: Lionel Messi. When he was younger he was told that he was too small to play football and was doubted by many. He never gave up and no matter what the circumstance due to his determination and hard work…Who has been the most influential person in your career?: My coach Jayden Russ, due to his determination and hard work for the club. Since I joined Brisbane Athletics Jayden has been someone who was always been there helping me improve and supporting me…What advice would you give to your young self?: That there is no easy win or way out. To also always make sure to enjoy yourself in whatever sport you are doing. Make the most of every opportunity. Hobbies: Playing football for school and watching high level sporting games…Occupation: Year 12 student at St Laurence’s college, South Brisbane
@20 Jan 2023 David.Tarbotton@athletics.org.au