Dezmond Cutter.

Dezmond (Dezi) came from a background of playing AFL growing up. This helped set a foundation for his running journey starting at age 10 and committing to his squad, Highland Run Crew, at 13.  Dezi says the main reason he loves running is because of his teammates and friends, and the atmosphere it creates. He loves being surrounded by like minded people as it brings out the best out of him.

When we asked Dezi what has motivated him and kept him disciplined over the years of success, he gave us a list which was a mile long. Firstly, he expressed he loves running for someone or something. Whether that be a race coming up or younger aspiring athletes looking up to him and cheering him on, or seeing a fellow team mate doing something way out of their comfort zone. Secondly he thanks his family for always supporting his journey and “for having dinner on the table when he gets home from a gruelling workout or long run.”

Dezi has had is fair share of injuries and obstacles which he has had to overcome. For the past 3 years, Dezi has injured himself during the peak of the running season which has ultimately held him back and stopped him from proving what he has to offer. “I think people have to understand that injuries are apart of the sport” Dezi said when asked about the ‘What If’ athletes. “It’s something I have struggled with. It is mentally tough when you almost have to start back at the beginning once a year.” However, having such a special group around him makes everything possible. “It took me a while to understand that to move forward as a person and an athlete you have to go backwards.”

Dezi wants to take one race at a time. He wants to be the best teammate he can be and give running everything he has even when he doesn’t want to. This year, Dezi see’s himself running a sub 70 minute half marathon at the Gold Coast Marathon, running a sub 15 minute 5km, and representing Queensland once again.

“The days you don’t want to do it, are the most important days to get it done. Never be afraid to fail, never step away because you don’t want to loose or are afraid of the competition. Embrace the pressure and just like Steph (Stephen Curry) says, you shouldn’t be proving anyone wrong but proving yourself right.” - Dezmond Cutter, 2024.