Nicholson set to strut his stuff on the national stage

LOCAL prodigy Luke Nicholson, who paced Olympian Izzi Batt-Doyle in the Melbourne Marathon last year, is making some serious strides in his own running career as of late.

The San Remo athlete last week ran in the Box Hill Burn, searching for a quick time to earn him qualification into the Australian 5km Championships in Brisbane. 

After training for months, running 90-100 kilometres per week, mixed between hard sessions, long runs easy runs and gym sessions, Nicholson took aim at his goal, the National qualifying time of 15 minutes 30 seconds. 

Competing on a 400m metre athletics track, Nicholson completed 12 and a half laps pacing himself with the quick group, who completed the first three kilometres only seconds slower than his personal best. 

Nicholson spoke to the Sentinel-Times last week about his plans and feelings during the big event. 

“Twelve and a half is a lot of laps so I just tried to settle in and find pace, it was wet, cool conditions, which I love, really set me up for a fast time,” Nicholson said. 

“I knew I was relatively fit, but was not expecting to be this quick, I always thought I had a chance for the time, but the mental and physical fatigue can sometimes get the better of you.”

The 21-year-old set himself up beautifully after the first three kilometres and he followed through in the final two to finish with an outstanding time of 15 minutes and 14 seconds, earning him national qualification!

He spoke on the outpouring of emotion he felt when the realisation that he had done it had hit.

“When I was crossing the line, my arms were elevated, and I was so happy with what I had achieved, I have had this goal in mind for over one and a half years,” he said. 

Nicholson is an extremely passionate and driven sportsman and has been working hard for several years, he is also a fantastic young man and former Newhaven College school captain. 

He will now represent Victoria at the Australian Track and Field Championships in Brisbane in April, where there will be over 200 live events taking place. 

“I am excited to race some of Australia’s best over the five-kilometre distance, whilst Olympians and Commonwealth Games representatives will likely take the medal places, I look forward to being in amongst some high-quality athletes,” said Nicholson. 

Nicholson, despite being insanely quick, finished 12th in the C grade race, showing how strong the Victorian distance running scene is.

“My goal for this championship will be to run a sub 15 minute race (14:59), that would be epic,” he said. 

He now plans to train with his Victorian teammates prior to the championships, in the hopes that they can build each other up to some sensational results. 

The promising athlete, as usual, remained incredibly humble, and was extremely grateful for those that have assisted his career so far. 

The talented runner is also excited to get more people involved and would absolutely love any and all support on his journey. 

“As a full time Uni student (studying Health, PE and Chemistry teaching at Monash Uni), I will try my best to work and save up enough funds so I am seeking some local sponsorship to help cover my financial costs in getting to Brisbane,” he said. 

“If you would like to get involved or support me on my running journey please reach out, my number is 0497 264 146.”