The On Track Nights ZÁTOPEK:10 on December 14 at Lakeside is shaping to be one of the best yet, and the blue riband 10,000m events are not the only highlights on a huge schedule.
The 3,000m metre races for athletes under 20 years of age – the Ondieki for females, and the de Castella for males – are jam-packed with talent, and two of Victoria’s most promising young athletes are preparing to take their place in their respective fields.
Western Athletics’ Lucy Cleveland will make her first appearance in the event in 2024, having competed in the U16 Mile at last year’s Zatopek. A vivacious and intelligent teenager, Lucy’s love for athletics makes her a regular competitor on the track and in Athletics Victoria’s winter cross country (XCR) season, and while she prefers the variety of cross country running, last year’s second placing has her looking forward to December 14 at Lakeside.
‘Honestly, 3,000m on the track seems like seven and a half laps of torture,’ she laughs. ‘But last year’s Zatopek was the most incredible event I’ve ever been involved in – better even than Nationals.’
With that in mind, Lucy and coach Stu Macaulay have formulated a plan to gain valuable experience against older runners, with Lucy still having some years to compete in the age group. Lucy has nothing but praise for her coach, who has kept her fit and performing among the best in her age group, with seemingly boundless enthusiasm. ‘Stu is always there for you, whether it’s on the track or off,’ she explains. ‘He not only guides us as athletes, but as people. He’s very encouraging – his favourite thing to say to us is “be brave”’. Courage is certainly not something the young athlete is lacking – as anyone who has been witness to her running to the point of exhaustion will be aware.
As to her athletic future, Lucy has only one goal in sight: ‘I just want to continue to be in the sport of athletics. Maybe represent Australia some day, but as long as I’m involved.’
Another up and coming 16 year old is Casey Cardinia’s Lucas Chis, a smooth running, quietly spoken middle distance athlete who has been competing in effective fashion this season within a strong age group. Like Lucy, Lucas admits that 3,000m is not his pet distance – not that there will be any issue.
‘I think 1,500m is probably my favourite distance,’ Lucas explains. ‘Although I do love running a fast 5km on the road.’
That’s quite the understatement – making a rare XCR appearance this season at the Burnley Half Marathon Road Race, Lucas was the first athlete across the line in the 5km support event in a very smart time of 14 minutes 43 seconds.
Lucas’ running career may never have started, if it wasn’t for the persistence of a year 8 Health Science teacher. A dedicated science and maths student, Lucas had little interest in athletics. Nevertheless, he was convinced to participate.
‘I didn’t want to go, but I think I managed a third in the 1,500m and 800m, and then decided maybe running actually was for me,’ he laughs.
When speaking to Lucas, one uncovers another dedicated, highly intelligent individual.
‘Running is seven days a week for me,’ Lucas says. ‘If it’s not physical work, it’s mental. Some days you don’t want to train but you just work on getting your mindset in the space to go. Every session is important; all the little stuff matters. If I can get my mind ready now, it will be easier for me in the future. It will become second nature, like riding a bike.’ Coached by Ben St Lawrence, Lucas demonstrates remarkable maturity for someone his age. Asked about his future ambitions, Lucas’ answer is level headed and not dissimilar to Lucy’s: ‘I’d like to make an Australian team one day – that would be the ultimate goal. I’ve just got to keep my head down and work hard.’
With athletes like these two in the mix, things are looking good for not only this year’s Zatopek night – it will be for many years to come.
Get your tickets to this year’s On Track Nights ZÁTOPEK:10 on December 14, here.