ATHLETE Oli Hoare will race at the Australian All Schools titles in Adelaide with the inspiration of a good mate who died guiding him with every stride.
Oli, 17, of Caringbah is entered in the 1500 metres and 3000 metres events at the titles to be held on December4-8.
He has won in the 1500 metres and 3000 metres events at Combined Associated Schools level.
Just two days before he crossed the line first Trinity Grammar schoolmate Maniah Betham died from a heart attack.
Oli and his schoolmates wore black armbands as a mark of respect. ‘‘Maniah was a good friend,’’ Oli said. ‘‘We dedicated the race to Maniah.’’
The Sutherland District Athletics Club runner started in the sport at six. His grandfather, Frederick Hoare, 88, is a life member. Oli’s parents, Greg and Kate are Sutherland club runners.
The runner has three athletics coaches: Timothy Armstrong, Olympian Andrew Murphy and Bradley Woods.
‘‘Mum and Dad and my grandfather are good too with athletics advice,’’ Oli said.
Outside of track events, Oli is adept in cross-country recently winning the NSW All Schools under-18s six kilometre title, for the fourth time. Oli has represented NSW at nationals since he was 10.
Will Oli Hoare win another gold at the Australian titles?