↓ SECTION 03 02 — FOUNDATION SCHOOL
Christian is quick to point to the quality of coaching at the School as one of the main reasons behind his success. “Having a team of the quality of (my coach) Anula Costa and Bruce Scriven - who work so closely together - there for me when I need it is fantastic.” Anula - a sprinter and long jumper in her youth - migrated to Australia from Sri Lanka in 1998 to study, before taking up a role with Athletics Victoria and, later, with Athletics Australia as an educator, coach and assessor. Bruce has worked with athletes at the School for the best part of a decade. The past four years have been particularly special, with Deluca Lawson-Matthew (400m in 2013), Sam Reiser (400m in 2014) and Christian all winning at the Australian AllSchools Championships, in addition to Lauren Ryan representing Australia at two international events in 2016. Bruce has worked with a number of Australian record-holders, including Craig Mottram (A’98), Georgie Clarke and Sarah Jamieson. His impact on athletics at Geelong Grammar School, and in Geelong in general, has been immense. With more than 15 years of top-level coaching experience, Bruce is able to pinpoint the qualities necessary for a runner to progress. “The ability to peak in a final and run a fast time when it’s needed takes great mental strength,” he said. “And Christian exhibited that in Canberra.” From Craig to Lauren; Georgie to Sam; a strong work ethic is a constant for successful middle and long-distance runners, and Bruce says Christian has it in spades. “His work ethic is unbelievable and, all going well, he’ll be the third (GGS student) in recent years to compete at the World Junior Championships.” Nick Sculley
LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL
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