BY OSCAR HANISCH


Jamie Harrison’s humble journey in athletics has been the force behind his work ethic and rise in Australian middle-distance running.

Harrison, from Cohuna in northern Victoria, has made a huge statement on the track at national level.

Since moving to Melbourne, Harrison, 23, has made huge strides.

The Monash University engineering and computer science student has reached open national times and also posted a qualifying time for the 2023 World University Games in Chengdu, China.

He has benefitted from access to elite coaches, sports science and high-level program support in Melbourne, a strong producer of track athletes.

In March last year, Harrison clocked 1:46.64 for the men’s 800m at the Sydney Track Classic.

His progress has been a slow burn. However, Harrison is showing signs of his potential on the world stage.

Like any high-level runner, the calculated miles in one’s legs plus high-level coaching, are essential for success.
 

YouTube video of Jamie Harrison’s run in the Sydney Track Classic in 2023.
 

There were signs in Harrison’s childhood that he possessed running ability on the track.  

It was not until Harrison medalled in an interschool state meet that he envisaged a future in track athletics.

The sporting identity of Victorian country towns was never lost on him too.

Country towns are typically “driven and dominated by AFL and cricket” with little emphasis on athletics, Harrison said.

Harrison played AFL, cricket and tennis throughout his junior years.

However, conditioning his body through various sports helped him develop the “tank” for middle-distance running.

Playing AFL until the age of 17, Harrison admitted “athletics was definitely not a priority”.

Harrison waited until his late teens where he would travel 90 minutes to Bendigo for athletic meets.

After finishing school, he fine-tuned his track technique and fitness in Melbourne, where he successfully gained entry to Monash University.

As Harrison’s move to Melbourne was “instrumental” for his development, his improved times were no surprise due to his access to track coaches and dedicated training partners.

While Australia’s middle-distance athletes perform at an all-time high, success in this niche field is extremely hard to come by.

Historically, Australian distance runners would need to reach the Olympic qualifying time and then book their ticket to the Olympic Games.

 But Australia’s middle-distance domination means there is no guarantee anymore.

The limit of three athletes per Olympic event has created high-pressure competition within the Australian track scene.

This is emblematic of the competition that feeds down below the elite, making Harrison’s relatively new-found success in the 800m impressive.

The life of a confessed “fringe amateur” has its struggles, as Harrison battles with the balance of training, life and work. It is something Harrison is “constantly figuring out”.

Despite this, Harrison’s coaches have “encouraged” him to be flexible with training and his life balance, which has allowed him to enjoy time away from the track.

Looking ahead, Harrison is striving to overcome an injury that forced him from most of the 2024 competitive season.

But there are bright lights ahead. Harrison aims to qualify for the Australian team to contest the World University Games in Germany next year.

Harrison’s vision for his future at the elite level is clear. To compete for Australia, he is focused on “learning, getting stronger, healthier and being competitive again”.