Jasper’s taking every challenge in his stride

“It was a lot slower course, and very difficult with mud patches, logs, and a bit of a hill,” Jasper said.

There, he was the first Victorian in his age group to cross the finish line out of a pool of 84 of the country’s quickest runners, finishing with a time of 10 minutes and eight seconds, allowing Team Victoria to claim a silver medal.

With Jasper stepping into the elite field at only 13, you’d be forgiven for thinking that he was a born athlete.

But his running journey only really began about four years ago.

Before that, things were different for the Cobram Anglican Grammar School student.

Inhibited by poor proprioception as a toddler, Jasper once found every step a challenge.

“My proprioception wasn’t very good, and I’d trip over my own feet no matter what; if I was walking, running — anything,” he said.

Proprioception is the body’s ability to sense its own movement and action.

Without it, humans wouldn’t be able to do simple tasks such as clap, pick things up or even walk.

Jasper might have struggled to walk early on, but he soon gained a stronger proprioception thanks to help from an occupational therapist.

And years later, after getting involved in gymnastics and basketball, Jasper decided to give running a go.

One weekend in 2021, he started turning up at the local parkrun in his hometown of Numurkah.

“Mum was doing it lots of times, and it was a pretty big thing because it was just after lockdowns,” Jasper said.

“So I thought, ‘I’ll just give it a go, see how it is’.”

Two years later, Jasper found himself competing at his second state competition, where despite his best efforts, he finished last.

“That was an eye-opener,” he said.

Disappointed with his result, Jasper found himself at a crossroad.

But instead of letting the disappointment overwhelm him, he picked himself up, dusted himself off and got on with the task at hand.

Jasper enlisted the help of championship runner and coach Brooke Williams, who guided him and gave his training something he’d been missing: a set structure.

Now 13 and with his bones and muscles still growing, Jasper has shot to the elite level of running — something he never saw coming back then.

An avid learner, he’s always discovering ways to improve his performance, whether through strategy, nutrition or improving his strength.

“It’s not important to improve every single time, but every time I train, it helps me learn something,” Jasper said.

And for all the demands required by his calling, Jasper doesn’t regret anything about devoting himself to his chosen sport.

“It keeps me disciplined,” he said.

“I like the quietness of the sport — I don’t have anyone barging me on. I’m just by myself.”

Now, with the end of one running season, another begins.

With the wind at his back, Jasper is keenly awaiting the national track and field qualifiers at the end of October.

It’s a massive step up from anything he’s done before, with Jasper having never qualified for a track and field event at the national level before.

But even so, Jasper remains undaunted as he prepares to take on the challenge.

“I feel very strong coming into the season,” he said.

“The strongest I’ve ever felt.”