Mark Thompson Guest Speaker

Posted on Aug 16, 2016

Mark Thompson

Mark Thompson was the guest speaker to club's meeting on 15th August.

Now a P.E. teacher at Numurkah Secondary College mentoring young students.

At school would have liked to play football, but due to stature encouraged by Assistant Principal at Ararat School to take up running.

Competed in school cross-country then joined running group.

Gained an Australian Institute of Sport scholarship. Moved to Canberra where AIS provided support for young athletes including medical. sports science, physio, massage and recovery programs. AIS established to develop athletes for Olympics.

Achievements - Athletics - Middle Distance

2004 - 7th in 10,000m Olympic trials.

2000 - 8th in 5000m Sydney Olympic Trials.

1998 - 4th in 5000m at World Junior Championship.

1997 - 2002 Athletics Scholarship holder at AIS

1996 - Australia U/18 record holder over 5000M

1996 - 1st in 1,500M and 5000M at Pacific School Games.

Achievements Cross-Country.

2003 - 3rd Australia cross-country championships

2002 - Represented Australia at World Cross-Country Championships

2002 - 1st Place National Cross-Country Championships

Road Running.

2008 - 6th Sun Herald Run for Kids.

2005 - 4th in Sydney Morning Herald half marathon.

2003 - 2nd in Sydney Morning Herald City to Surf.

At AIS training 7 days a week with daily 20k runs.

At AIS inspired by hard work and commitment of fellow athletes.