Izak Bibile.

Izak began his running journey from the young age of 6 through his local Little Athletics club. Being from Victoria, Izak juggled running with footy, until he was 15 when he committed to his running career with his Coach, Stephen Ellinghaus.

Izak loves running as results are determined by your own work rate. He believes running is you vs you.

Izak’s success stems from his ability to remain motivated through setting short-term goals to get enjoyment and fulfilment in the work that he puts in. He believes that having a long-term mindset and understanding that “The sufferings of this present time are not worth being compared to the joys about to be revealed to us” (Rom 8:18). Izak expressed, the people he has in his life instilled this message in him, so he can strive to be the best version of himself.

Izak has overcome stress fractures in his sacrum and his femur which saw him on the sidelines for over 10 months. He says “it was the most challenging period of running I have faced. All I wanted was to be the best runner, however, this time away made me understand that running isn’t what defines me and there are more important things in life.” Ultimately running is just the platform that he has to pursue purpose in this world and to positively impact those around him and to fight the good fight of faith.

This year, Izak sees himself running the World Junior Qualifier’s for the 1500m and the 3000m and represent Australia in the World u20 Championship in Peru. Off the back end of this, Izak wishes to receive a scholarship to a United States division 1 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) College this August.

Izak can see himself running professionally and wants to travel the world training and racing with the intention of competing at the Olympics and hopefully bringing home Gold Medal’s.

“Trying won’t guarantee winning, but not trying will guarantee losing. Remember, at the end of the day your running career will end and even if you win every race under the sun, you’re not guaranteed happiness, love, enjoyment, and fulfillment, you need to appreciate your development and be proud of your achievements. Seek out new opportunities for those things to happen, and those who you have encountered. Trust in God’s plan for you and be ready to enter the kingdom of heaven. “For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life?” (Matt 16:26)” - Izak Bibile, 2024.