OLLIE Hoare is racing towards the Australian Cross-Country and Australian Championships on August 29 in Melbourne.
The teenager will compete in the under-20s men's 8-kilometre event.
"The event doubles as the Australian Cross-Country and Australian under-20s titles," Hoare, 18, said. "It involves schools and athletes from clubs outside of schools."
The Caringbah athlete said it would be a tough competition.
"There are athletes from every state in Australia and a New Zealand team entering," Hoare said. "There will be a field of 100 running. My goal is to finish in the top 10."
Hoare, who is representing NSW schools, is dedicated; rising at 4am each day to head for swim training at his school, Trinity Grammar, Summer Hill.
"I drive the car there then after that head for athletics training at Centennial Park, then it's back to school for classes," Hoare said.
The year 12 student, who is doing his trial HSC exams, manages to cram in five swim sessions and six athletics sessions each week as well as homework, and said the school was very supportive.
He said he had a flawless preparation for the big race in Melbourne. "I am injury-free and everything has gone well," he said.
The 183-centimetre-tall athlete is built for long distance and cross-country distances, weighing 74 kilograms.
Hoare has three coaches for his track and cross-country competition — Sean Williams, Andrew Murphy and Bradley Woods.
On the track he contests the 800, 1500 and 3000-metres events. He also competes in the 8-kilometre endurance cross-country test.
The Sutherland District Athletics Club member came second in the national titles in Adelaide in 2013.
