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.
Reece Holder
- Born: August 20, 2002
- Nationality: Australian
- 400 meters sprinter
In 2023, Holder made a significant breakthrough when he ran 44.79 seconds to claim a silver medal at the World University Games in Chengdu. This performance not only earned him international recognition but also positioned him as the fifth fastest Australian 400m runner in history and the fastest since 2006. His personal best secured him a spot on the Australian team for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Despite suffering injuries during the domestic season, Holder returned to form with a 45.19 in mid-June in Europe.
At the Paris Olympics, Holder ran a remarkable personal best of 44.53 seconds during the qualification heats of the 400m, advancing to the semifinals, where he finished fifth. His journey from early talent to Olympic-level competition demonstrates resilience and determination, overcoming setbacks to become one of Australia’s top sprinters.
Personal Bests
- 400 Metres – 44.53
- 4×400 Metres Relay – 3:05.58
- 200 Metres – 21.07
- 400 Metres – 44.53
- 4×400 Metres Relay – 3:22.24
- 100 Metres – 10.78
RT: Can you share some memories from your early days at Redlands Little Athletics Centre and how those experiences shaped your career?
Reece: The memories I have from my early track and field days at both Redlands and Balmoral Little athletics centers is really just having fun and enjoying the sport was definitely the highlight of my week every week. Being able to compete in all the events not only fulfilled my competitive hunger but also allowed me to choose my favourite events as I further developed as a senior athlete.
RT: At age 15, you won your first National under-17 400m title. What was that experience like, and how did it impact your confidence as a young athlete?
Reece: Winning my first national title in U17 definitely boosted my confidence as an athlete as this was the first season I had taken track seriously and got a coach. The experience wasn’t exactly what everyone thinks because I tore my TFL in the last 50m and ran through the line, and then collapsed. This was my first major injury and definitely the one that set me back the most.
RT: Injuries have been a significant challenge in your career. How do you stay mentally strong and motivated during those tough times?
Reece: Injuries are unfortunately very common in the sport that we do. Staying mentally strong and motivated during these times is definitely easier when you have a good support system and you are realistic with mapped out expectations, this allows me to re-shift my focus temporarily to achieve the same outcome in the end.
RT: You’ve set personal bests in distances ranging from 100m to 400m. How do you tailor your training to excel in such a range of events?
Reece: I would say the main emphasis on our training is definitely speed and this is not only evident in how I run the 400m but how the 400m final in Paris this year everyone that ran in the 43’s split 20. To the 200. This speed just allows me to race in distances less than 400m.
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RT: What are some key lessons you’ve learned from your coaches and teammates in your training group that have been crucial to your success?
Reece: Definitely that this sport is not a solo sport, you have to be a part of a well-grounded team that all have the same goals and values that you honour.
RT: You’ve already run a personal best of 44.53 in the 400m at the Paris Olympics. How did it feel to compete at the Olympics, and what did you take away from that experience?
Reece: Competing at the Olympics was definitely a surreal experience due to the event being the pinnacle of our sport which makes motivation and emotions high which really allowed me to immerse myself into the experience. What I am taking away from the experience is definitely another confidence boost allowing myself to believe that I can be highly competitive on a world stage.
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RT: As someone who’s already achieved so much, what advice would you give to young athletes who aspire to reach the level of success you have?
Reece: The unfortunate truth is that you have to sacrifice a lot and then probably more to get to that next level that everyone dreams of, but the experiences and people you meet along the way are unparallel.
