By JARROD POTTER
THE well-worn tracks of Tynong North have proven the best possible preparation for newly selected Australian cross country runner Ben Kelly.
Since picking up the athletics bug after a school cross-country triumph, Kelly, 18, has been crazy for the sport and his passion has earned him selection to run for Australia in China next month.
“Over six years now, it’s become a real passion of mine… especially finishing year 12, it gives myself a lot more time to dedicate myself,” Kelly said.
“I did a school cross-country race and won by a fair bit and knew there was something special about my running abilities, so I joined the local clubs and now I’m at Glenhuntly Athletic Club with great coaches Chris Wardlaw and Trevor Vincent.”
With his schooling completed – the Haileybury Berwick alumnus has more time to focus on his racing and has been blazing trails and tracks across the region in his training.
An average training week for Kelly is about 110 kilometres as he prepares for an international debut at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Guiyang, China.
He had to speed to the finish in the Australian qualifiers earlier this month, but managed to finish fourth and book his ticket.
“I finished fourth at the trails… to be the first Aussie (at the championships to finish) is something I’m aiming for definitely… if I get that I’ll probably get an awesome finish as well,” Kelly said.
“It was pretty relaxed for the first six-seven kilometres then it really kicked home.
“I hadn’t reached the full training program yet as I had China in mind and didn’t just want to focus on that race.”
Whatever the distance – whether it’s on track or trail – Kelly loves the thrill of running and believes it’s the ultimate test of an athlete.
“It’s the true test I reckon of your physical ability – there’s nothing getting in your way – you run at your maximum and give it everything,” Kelly said.
“It might be a bit simple to others, but to runners, it’s what determines if you’re fit or not.”
After the championships, Kelly hopes to find his way across to North America to gain an athletic scholarship, where he wants to attend an NCAA Division 1 ranked school and study his other passion – chemical engineering.
“It gives me plenty of time now – as they start in August – to knuckle down even further and there are a few offers coming in here and there,” Kelly said.
“Hopefully I can get a spot.”
Kelly wanted to thank his sponsors Ron Hill Performance Clothing and Mizuno for their support in his cross-country endeavours.
The IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Guiyang, China will be held on 28 March.
