Australians know ‘schoolies’ as the week-long celebration for high school graduates that takes place after final exams in late November and early December.
The same calendar period brings the Australian All Schools championships. ‘Schoolies’ for high school athletes, if you like. Except for one thing: you only get one chance...
Peyton Craig’s journey to becoming one of Australia’s most promising middle-distance runners is a tale of persistence, overcoming setbacks, and achieving greatness. The 19-year-old Sunshine Coast native recently made waves in the athletics world by clocking a personal best of 1:44.12 in the 800m at the Track Night Vienna in December 2024. This impressive feat not only earned him a spot on Australia’s Olympic team for Paris 2024 but also cemented his place as the third-fastest Australian in history for the event. Craig’s journey to this moment was anything but straightforward, with multiple hurdles along the way, including a lengthy battle with a shin injury that sidelined him for nearly eight months.
Evan Jager, born March 8, 1989, in Algonquin, Illinois, is one of the most accomplished American runners in the 3000m steeplechase. Jager’s journey to the top began in high school, where he won four Illinois state championships, demonstrating his talent early on. After a year at the University of Wisconsin-Madison under Coach Jerry Schumacher, he left to join Schumacher’s professional training group in Portland, Oregon, marking the beginning of his elite career. This decision set the stage for Jager’s rapid rise in middle- and long-distance running.
Carlos Del Pino is a seasoned marathoner who has made a name for himself in the running community through his consistent performances and his role as an ambassador for the Irving Marathon.
Malindi Elmore, a former 1500m Olympian, transitioned to marathon running and became one of Canada’s top marathoners. After a successful debut in 2019 with a 2:32:15 finish, she shattered the Canadian women’s marathon record in 2020 with a 2:24:50 time at the Valencia Marathon. Elmore's journey includes balancing training with motherhood, emphasizing process over outcomes in both her athletic and coaching philosophies. Now focused on the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she has already qualified with a time of 2:23:30, Elmore’s story inspires athletes to pursue their goals while maintaining balance and perspective in life.
Another eye-popping day in Valencia on Sunday, 1 December 2024, produced an Australian record when Andrew Buchanan crossed the line in 2:06:22. It was the first time an Australian had broken 2:07. An Australian male, we should say, now that Ruth Chepngetich with her 2:09:56 has brought such a time into the realm of the possible for women as well.
Jake Liam Smith’s running career is defined by bold performances, resilience, and steady progression. After relocating to England during his teens, Jake turned his attention to distance running, quickly making his mark in events like the 10 km and half marathon.
Tove Alexandersson is a legendary figure in the world of endurance sports, with a career that spans orienteering, ski-orienteering, skyrunning, and skimo. She has been crowned World Champion in multiple disciplines, a testament to her extraordinary versatility and dominance in endurance events. Tove's journey began at a young age with orienteering, where she competed in her first race when she was just 1 year old. This early exposure to varied terrains laid the foundation for her ability to excel in a wide range of challenging environments, from dense forests to rugged mountain trails.
Francesca Canepa's journey into ultrarunning is nothing short of extraordinary. Once a professional snowboarder and later a psychologist, she entered the sport at an age when most elite athletes began to slow down. Despite her late start, Canepa quickly cemented her place among the world's best ultrarunners. Her first breakthrough came in 2012 when she claimed victory at the Tor des Géants, a 330-kilometer race in the Italian Alps. This grueling event would become a hallmark of her career, as she returned to win it again in 2018, showcasing her unmatched endurance and determination
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.
Niamh Emerson
Born: April 22, 1999
Nationality: Great Britain & N.I
Pentathlon sh, Heptathlon, High...
