General News
12 November, 2025
Jarrod wins gold
TIMBOON P-12 school Year 11 student Jarrod Ferguson recently won gold in the Victorian under 18s 2000 metres steeplechase event and is setting his sights on the national events this coming December.
Jarrod said he’s been an active runner since primary school and became competitive in high school with a natural affinity for the sport.
“I’m a middle-distance runner so that kind of fits into many different events like the 800 metres, 1500 metres, 3000 metres and 5000 metres,” he said.
“The steeplechase fits in there as well – it’s just another event where there’s really good opportunity to do well at something I’m pretty handy at and have been getting some pretty good results and making some state teams and will be trying to make the Australian team next year.
“Winning was what I was hoping for – I expected it, so on the day it was about trying to execute and get what I wanted so it was a bit of a relief.
“I was happy I could get it done.
“It was a close race between me and another guy – he was just sitting on me the whole way around and then in the last half lap I put a little bit of distance on him and got the win.”
Jarrod said he was looking forward to nationals in Melbourne this December where he would put his best foot forward to bring home another win.
“I got silver last year in Brisbane so hoping I can do one better and get gold,” he said.
“The season is just getting started – this is very early stages in the season.
“All the main competitions are later in the year.
“That’s when they’ll have the selection for the world junior championships.
“That’s really what we’re trying to build up to – to try and put myself in a good position to qualify then and make the Australian team.”
The under 20s world championships are run every second year, and Jarrod is aiming to make the team.
“I’m bottom aged next year and that’s the only shot I’ve got at it,” he said.
“I’ve got to make it happen in the next six months.
“If I can continue my good performance and keep improving it should put me in a good position.”
Jarrod thanked all who are supporting him in his journey.
“Big thanks to Corangamite Shire – they help offset some gym fees,” he said.
“Also thanks to South West Academy of Sport – they help give some financial support and being there to chat too.
“Thanks to my coach Stuart Canavan with the Regional Institute of Sport.”
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