Hoare runs olympic pace in first pro outing

Oliver "Olli" Hoare started his sporting career as a swimmer, soon realizing he was more suited for running, switching disciplines and running all through high school, earning him a spot on the track team for the University of Wisconsin.

He was the 1500m NCAA champion in 2018, an eight-time All-American and nine-time Big Ten champion over cross country, indoor and outdoor track.

Olli finished his degree this year and went Pro joining the newly formed On Athletics Club (OAC) created by a Swiss-based shoe company intent on establishing themselves as a major force.

The OAC is based at a facility in Boulder, Colorado and led by three-time US Olympian and running legend Dathan Ritzenhein.

Oliver joined the eight-person squad and said he was excited to be working with coach Ritzenhein and aimed to make a mark on the world's running stage.

"I kicked off my debut as a pro with a win and a 3:34.64 1500m at the MCDC. It would be an Olympic standard; however, the qualifying period is frozen. Stoked with the OAC's start -and there is more to come" he said

His dream is to run at an Olympics and on Saturday he ran a 3.53.35 mile race in South Carolina which was also a state soil record.

An Athletics Australia official said he is definitely an Olympic Games prospect in the 1500 metres and his 3.53 run was the eighth fastest in Australian history.

"His results are world-class, but it looks like a four-way battle for three places in the 1500m.

"National record holder Ryan Gregson, Stewart Sweyn, Matthew Ramsden and Olli are in contention, but timetable clashes could cause issues "

Olli said he runs because he hates sitting still and running is a way to escape and compose your thoughts.

"I enjoy it because I have an opportunity to be great, leave a legacy and represent my country competing against some of the greatest runners in the world. Plus, it also gives me an excuse to eat more food."