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What have you been up to since leaving CCGS in 2014?

After Year 12 I took a gap year to concentrate on my athletics. With more time to focus on training I was able to win the Australian Under 20, 1500m title, and gain selection in the Australian team for the IAFF World Cross Country Championships in Guiyang, China. Running against the best in the world was an incredible and very humbling experience. 

I’ve also been lucky enough to do some travelling; both for running and leisure. I’ve attended numerous high-altitude training camps with some of the best athletes in the world at places such as Mount Laguna, San Diego, Los Angeles, Oregon and Falls Creek. I’ve also been fortunate enough to visit Beijing, Shanghai, New Zealand, Indonesia, and various places all around Australia.

As well as focussing on athletics, I’ve been undertaking a part time a cadetship with a modular building company on the Central Coast. I’ve taken an interest in project management, which I hope to pursue further in the future.

What's next? 

I’ve recently been accepted into Oregon University which I’m incredibly excited about. It’s an extraordinary opportunity which will enable me to advance my athletic career as well as pursue further study. Living overseas is another added benefit that I’m really looking forward to. However, this didn’t just happen overnight, it’s been an 18-month journey to get to where I am now and it wouldn’t have been possible without help from CCGS, especially Ms Denise McDonough. The amount of time, expertise and help with my application has been extraordinary, especially for a post-graduate student. It’s really shown me that the care and support for students doesn’t end the day you finish school.

What's your big dream in life?

I have the highest of aspirations with my athletics. I'd love to be competitive on the international stage whether that be at the Olympics, World Championships or the Commonwealth Games. Being accepted into Oregon University is a big step towards these goals as it is the running capital of the world.
 

UPDATE: 

At the recent Pac-12 Conference Cross Country, Charlie was the highest finishing rookie in the 2018 field, crossing the line in 16th place and third overall for the University of Oregon. At the all-conference honours announcements, Charlie received Freshman of the Year accolades, a wonderful achievement for his first year.

The Pac-12 Conference is a collegiate athletic conference that operates in the Western United States, participating in 24 sports at the NCAA Division I level (the highest level of intercollegiate athletics sanctioned by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in the United States) and comprises 12 leading U.S. universities.