Tim Leathart

Details

Category: Track & Field

How did you become involved in your sport and what events do you compete in?

I started athletics when I was quite young through Little Athletics which I competed in every event available. In 2000 I started at Knox Grammar where in my first 2 years I made the junior school athletics team which I feel was my first step towards focusing on the 100m and 200m.

Who is your sporting hero?

Donovan Bailey was the first sports star I can remember idolising as a kid. After watching him on TV win the 100m in Atlanta, I remember thinking, 'this guy was just so cool, I want to be just like him.' Then of course 2 years later Australia had the sprinting sensation of shirvo and I had a new hero.

Age you started in your sport?

I didn't start training properly until I was 18 and had left high school, but didn't fully commit to full time training until I was 20.

Height, weight, age?

Height: 186cm

Weight: 81kg

Age: 22 years old (22/09/1989)

Accreditations/degrees/qualifications?

Bachelor of Business in International Business and Marketing Communications.

What motivates you to continue in your sport?

My dad has always told me to do what I love, and I love athletics. Along with the sheer love of the sport there is always the unknown. You really don't know how fast you could become or what level you will compete at until you do it and that's a big motivator.

What motivated you to start your sport?

When I was a youngster I had way too much energy and was most probably more than just a bit of a handful for my parents, so I think they put me in Little A's as a way of keeping me out of trouble. When I left high school I was looking for a way to keep active and fit and immediately thought of continuing with rugby union as I really enjoyed it whilst at high school. However I was much, much smaller than I am today and as a result decided on a safer option was to continue with athletics.

What is your current business/job?

Because I love work . . . . . . . . . I've got two jobs. I work at a local Bunnings, and am currently a member of the strength and conditioning staff at Pymble Ladies College in Sydney.

Who do you race for club/state and what is your competitive history?

When I was at school I competed for Knox Grammar; I currently compete for Sydney Pacific within the NSW club competitions and when it comes to the national series meets for NSW.

2010 was my first full season in where, in the 100m, I won the NSW U23 championships, was second in the NSW Open Championships and then went on to place sixth at my first National Championships.

Since then I've been lucky enough to become a regular competitor on the Australian Athletics Tour, which sees me compete in Brisbane, Newcastle, Adelaide, Perth, Sydney and Melbourne.

People that have inspired you both in sport and life?

As cliche as it sounds, the people I've grown up with and met thus far in my life have all been inspirations to me in some way, shape or form.

Great experiences that have happened in your life?

Ah way too many to name, but here are a small few; Finishing high school, graduating from university, holidaying with my friends to Japan, skiing powder for the first time, breaking 11 seconds for the first time and every holiday I am on with friends.

Your interests and hobbies?

I love the beach; bodyboarding, surfing, swimming etc. I also am very much addicted to skiing, whether it be on snow or water I love it. I also love music, movies and the occasional book.

One tip or quote that continues to inspire you?

Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude.

Family Background(where did you grow up) and Current Family

I grew up in Roseville on Sydney's north shore, then moved to Killara when I was in year 4, then moved again to Pymble where I currently reside when I was in year 10. Family wise I'll start at the top. I have a mother and father (controversial I know) as well as an older brother and a younger sister

What is your happiest memory?

I could not single out one memory and say it was the happiest but one that stands out happened whilst I was in Japan. It was my second trip to Japan for a skiing holiday with friends, and it had snowed over a meter the first few days we were there. The day the storm cleared we hiked to the peak and into the back bowl where we skied down the most amazing face through the deepest snow I've ever experienced. It was one of those experiences where you are just so stoked on life that all you can do is yell.

Who did you idolize growing up?

Michael Klim, David Attenborough, Michael Jordan and especially my dad.

Were you always one of the better athletes growing up?

Absolutely not. When I was junior school I was one of the faster kids running, however during high school I wasn't the best, with that being shown by me not making a senior school athletics team until I was in year 11.

What is one thing you would share with the children wanting to follow in your footsteps?

If you love what you do you will find success.

How has being involved/playing your sport changed your life?

Athletics has changed my life in so many ways. I am lucky enough to travel all around Australia to compete against the countries best athletes as well as some of the international stars with the real potential to compete overseas against many other international stars. Being successful at a sport always adds and extra element to your life, it gives you something more.

Who has been your biggest supporter?

Mum and Dad have always been my biggest supporters.

Who has been your best coach?

I've only had one long term coach, that being John Patchett. He has really helped develop me into the athlete I am today.

Sporting Background(sports you grew up playing) and list of achievements/results?

Growing up I played every sport I could get involved in; athletics, swimming, basketball, cricket, touch football, tennis, soccer, rugby, volleyball, and skiing. I never played any of the above at a representative level, but more so at club or school for fun.

Favourite Foods/Diet you follow?

I could eat endless amounts of mangos and peaches, oh and nutella. My diet isn't too regimented however I do like to think I eat quite healthily with plenty of fresh fruit and veggies. No fast food, no soft drink, no lollies, but that is more of a personal preference than enforced dietary condition.

Your typical training split and favourite thing to train?

In a typical week Sunday will be acceleration work, Tuesday speed endurance, Wednesday starts/technique, Thursday speed endurance, and Saturday race prep/technique. My favourite to do at training is Ins and Outs. Acceleration work, starting slow for say 30m then flat out for 40m then slow for 30m and vice versa.

Worst injury you have suffered?

Navicular Stress Fracture. All the way through the 2011 season I was dealing with it on and off until the end of the season it came to a point where I couldn't walk on my left foot after training it was that painful. That led to 9 weeks in a cast and 8 weeks of rehab before I was even able to consider stepping back onto the track. Even then it took another 2 months before I was able to train pain free.

What is the ultimate prize in your sport?

Olympic Gold. There isn't any higher honour.

What do you find to be the toughest aspect of your sport?

For me the hardest thing I've encountered thus far is being injured for an extended period of time and trying to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It's tough knowing you have to do the time whilst all your competitors are out there training getting stronger, faster whilst your going backwards.

What is your favourite movie?

Lords of Dogtown, soooooo good.

What one lesson did you take from your parents?

Do everything whilst your young and without responsibilities because it become much harder to up and leave everything to disappear traveling for a year or 2.

How do you deal with temptation?

Well, I suppose it depends on what I'm being temped with haha.

What is your favourite music/band/song?

My musical taste cross all genres; hip-hop, rock, electronic, country, folk, etc. My favourite band is The Dandy Warhols and my favourite song is Bohemian Like You also by the dandy's.

What is your biggest fear?

Biggest fear is regret. I hope that I am making the right decisions that I won't look back on what I've done and regret not doing something.

Do you believe "never giving up" is the difference between making it and not making it in any sport?

It is far too easy to give up and say 'it's all too hard' but those that push through that and never give up tend to have an advantage in 'making it'.

Have you ever failed at anything? If yes how did you overcome this?

Yeah I've failed at a lot of things like most people, but I think the best way to approach failure is to look at what you've done wrong and do your best not to do it again.

What inspired you to succeed?

In regards to athletics I never had any plans of representing or being 'up there' but just wanted to keep training and racing and having fun. That was until my coach pulled me aside (being a bit frustrated at me for my sporadic lack of attendance at trainings) and told me he truly believed that I could be successful at this sport, and from then on he has always been constantly reminding me of what I can achieve.

What did you want to be as a kid growing up?

I wasn't like every other kid, you know, who dreams about being an astronaut, I was always more interested in what bark was made out of on a tree.

Your future goals in your sports, and goals when you finish your sport?

I think the key to success is setting achievable goals and then reassessing the goals once they are achieved, but also set ambitious goals that you really have to strive for. Firstly I want to make my first Australian representative team, that being for the Olympics this coming year or for the world championships next year then continuing on with the international meets that follow each year. I am ambitious and very competitive person and with that I would love a state or national record, but that I feel is a few years down the track. That is my ambitious goal. After I retire from athletics I would like to think I continue on with what ever career I will be working whilst I've been competing and plan a long ski trip to North America.

What is your worst fear?

Being injured so regularly or that badly, consistently, that I would be forced to give up athletics as I am no longer competitive.

If you could have dinner with 5 people who would they be?

I am going dead or alive here. Jon Olsson, John Singleton, Peter Norman, Elizabeth Olson, JFK

What is one item you cannot live without?

My phone. I feel naked without it.

People you would like to thank?(Sponsors, Coaches, Family or Friends)

Everyone that has been a positive influence and helped me stay on track (pun intended) my family, friends, training squad and coach.

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