In our RT Snap Q&A series, we’ve had the privilege of interviewing some of the world’s best runners, delving into their extraordinary journeys, celebrating their achievements, and exploring the unwavering dedication that defines their careers.
Jacob Despard
- Born: November 20, 1996
- Nationality: Australian
- 4×100 meters sprinter
Jacob Despard, a sprinter hailing from Tasmania, made his senior Australian debut at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, solidifying his place among Australia’s elite athletes. Originally a promising junior fast bowler, Despard’s sprinting journey began in Year 7 as a way to improve his run-up speed, but the thrill of running fast quickly became his sole focus. By 2013, he had become a regular on the Victorian Athletic League circuit, and in 2014, he made his international debut at the World U20 Championships. His ability to dominate both grass and synthetic track races was showcased in 2018, when he won the prestigious Stawell Gift 120m event, earning $40,000 and further establishing his prowess as a sprinter.
Under the guidance of coach Rolf Ohman, Despard continued to make strides in his career, recording personal bests of 10.15 in the 100m and 20.59 in the 200m by 2024. His strong performances led to a third-place finish in the 100m at the 2024 Nationals. Most recently, Despard played a crucial role in the Australian 4x100m relay team at the 2024 World Relays, where the team’s brilliant performance secured an Olympic berth for the Paris 2024 Games. Known for his mental toughness and commitment, he has overcome challenges such as training alone during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to push the limits of his abilities on the track.
Personal Bests
- 4×100 Metres Relay – 38.12
- 100 Metres – 10.15
- 100 Metres – 10.11
- 4×200 Metres Relay – 1:28.55
- 100 Yards – 9.50
- 60 Metres – 6.59
- 60 Metres – 6.91
- 200 Metres – 20.59
- 300 Metres – 34.58
- 60 Metres -6.91
- 400 Metres – 49.39
RT: What inspired you to shift your focus solely to sprinting, and how has your background in cricket influenced your approach to running?
Jacob: Growing up I was an aspiring fast bowler, I had dreams of representing Australia one day and donning the baggy green. To improve my bowling action I decided to get a running coach. I won my first state title soon after in the 400m and began juggling cricket and athletics. In 2014 I made the Australian U20 team for World Juniors in Oregon and made the decision to completely commit to Athletics and leave cricket behind. Although in 2016/2017 I had a year off Athletics and played cricket again, winning a Premiership with the Summerleas Eagles in Hobart.
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RT: How did your experience competing in the Tasmanian Athletic League circuit shape you as a sprinter?
Jacob: I grew up in Hobart, Tasmania. We have the Tasmanian Athletic League there. At 16 I won the Burnie Gift, the youngest ever male to do so. Burnie is considered one of the ‘Big 3’ in the professional running world. The Burnie Gift, Stawell Gift & Bay Sheffield. I have one to go to get them all.
My second coach, Ray Quarrell lives and breathes for Professional Running. In my early years as an athlete, he really instilled so much knowledge and information into me which has helped shape me as the athlete and person I am today.
In Professional Running it is common to have multiple rounds of racing in a short period of time. This has set me up to be able to handle the pressure and expectations of running rounds at major championships.
RT: What are some of the most memorable races or moments in your career so far, and why do they stand out to you?
Jacob: The 2018 Stawell Gift was really special moment for me, I had just moved to Melbourne from Hobart and started with a new coach at the time, Scott Rowsell. I moved with a dream to win the race, and achieved that with my parents, grandmother, previous coach, training partners and my new squad there. It was a magical weekend at Central Park.
In 2022 I won the Melbourne Track Classic 100m in 10.11*. Although this race doesn’t hold a large title, nor were any medals won. This race is important to me as I feel it really brought my name into the light in Australian sprinting and also gave me the confidence to continue on in the sport and aspire for bigger things.
More recently, racing in the 4x100m at World Relays in the Bahamas to qualify for the Olympics.
Then of course, the Olympics itself. Australian Record, Oceania Record, this race was the highlight of my career thus far. A full house, tickets sold out. The stadium was electric. Something I will remember and cherish forever.
RT: Reflecting on your experience at the Paris 2024 Olympics, what were the most memorable aspects of competing on such a grand stage, and how did it feel to represent Australia in the 4x100m relay with your team?
Jacob: The whole Olympic experience was incredible. Rubbing shoulders with the world’s best, it really felt like I was where I belonged out there. The call room standing next to Marcell Jacobs, Fred Kerley and the like.
For as long as I can remember, I always dreamt of representing Australia on the world stage. For me, whenever I am wearing that uniform with Australia on the front I feel a great sense of pride and my body always lifts for the occasion. We like to call it the ‘super suit’ if you will.
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For the past 5 years, I have been a member of the 4x100m program. I have seen people come and go, and the team change. In Australia right now we are in a golden era of 100m sprinting. The quality and depth are like something we have never seen before. It is such a competitive and positive environment. We are really pushing the limits and all raising the bar. To break the Australian Record is something that we’ve wanted for such a long time, and to do it when it mattered the most was incredible. I believe it’s going to get broken a few more times in the near future.
RT: Throughout your career, you’ve encountered various setbacks. How do you approach overcoming these challenges, and what have these experiences taught you about resilience and growth as an athlete?
Jacob: Yes, throughout my career I have experienced multiple setbacks. Missed teams, injury, unfortunate events. I have a really good support network around me, people I can lean on when things are tough. I’ve also learnt a lot about myself and who I truly am in these moments.
The best way I cope with these is by setting short and long-term goals, always having something in sight to achieve along the way.
I remember I once heard a sprinter at the Olympics when I was a child say, ‘you have to have a short memory in sprinting, just get on with it’. This is a quote I still remember to this day and often reflect upon when things haven’t gone my way.
RT: What does a typical training week look like for you as you prepare for major competitions?
Jacob: Usually leading into a major competition we will reduce the load but keep the intensity the same. Sharpen the tools some may say. We will keep the core sessions in there (acceleration, max velocity, speed maintenance), a gym session to keep things moving fast and powerful.
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RT: Where do you see your sprinting career in the next five years? Are there specific records or milestones you’re aiming for?
Jacob: I would love to go through to LA28 and become a dual Olympian. In regards to records and milestones. I’d love to lower my 200m PB and really see what I can do over that distance. We are still yet to really give it much attention or train specifically for it. I’ve ran 20.5 off 100m training, so I think I could do something special here.
I think our relay team also has potential to medal at a major championship, this is something I’d love to be apart of.
