As all eyes turn to the Paris Olympics, Wesley’s Archivist, Mrs Zoe Mailer, talked to some Old Collegians who have a special relationship with the Games.
Luke Burrows (05-18)
Playing the long game
Olympic Trials participant, 2024
Mr Luke Burrows has tunnel vision when it comes to his training. The young athlete is on track to compete at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics — the result of concentrated and incremental development across many years.
“Throughout Wesley, I never put pressure on myself to compete on a national scale,” Luke says. “I did well in PSA sport, but I knew if I took my time, refined my technique, and focussed on improving, I’d eventually start running the times, making the teams and getting somewhere. Which is where I am now.”
Five years out of Wesley, Luke is establishing himself on the Australian scene. He’s mentored by some of the best runners in Australia and globally, including Matthew Ramsden, who will likely represent Australia in the 5km at Paris this year.
Luke is competing in the Olympic Trials for the 1500m in Adelaide this year, and while he isn’t expecting a place, it’s all part of his preparation for the 2028 Games.
His training schedule involves running around 150kms a week, comprised of two hard sessions, one long run of around 23km, and the remainder made up of ‘easy’ runs. He runs twice a day, trains at the gym, and sees a physiotherapist a couple of times a week.
“Currently, my training schedule is hectic,” Luke laughs. “It’s like a full-time job, but I don’t see it that way. I don’t mind putting in the hours because I know it’s going to get me somewhere.”
Compared to team sports, it sounds like something of a solitary endeavour. Luke continues: “It is a cutthroat sport. It can be a lonely sport. You have guys you train with, but when you hit the start line, it’s every man for himself.”
It’s still possible that Luke could make the Games this season, but he views the 2024 qualifying rounds as a milestone, a way to improve, and he sees himself on his way to 2028.
“Qualifying can get quite complex; it’s based on a points process,” Luke explains. “In addition to the heats, you have to run a certain number of races over the qualification season to prove you’re good enough over someone else.”
Like many athletic pursuits, qualifying for the Olympics ultimately comes down to performance on the day. Luke knows it all hinges on what unfolds at the trials.
“I could have a great day, and some of the more established runners could have a shocking day, and I could make the team. That’s the nature of this sport. So, I’m not saying it’s impossible, but this year is about getting the experience and preparing myself for what’s coming in the next Olympic cycle. I’m playing the long game.”
This article, by Wesley’s Archivist, Mrs Zoe Mailer, was originally published in the Winter 2024 edition of The Wesleyan. To read more, click here.
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