The King’s School community is celebrating the outstanding achievement of Year 12 student Fred Hamblin, who has been selected in the Australian team for the World Athletics U20 Championships in Oregon, USA.
Chosen as part of the 4 x 400m relay squad, Fred will now have the opportunity to represent Australia on the world stage alongside some of the nation’s most exciting young athletics talent.
For Fred, the opportunity to wear the green and gold is something he once dreamed about as a younger athlete.
“It’s an honour,” says Fred. “I remember being younger and making state-level competition for the first time, so putting on the green and gold will be unreal.”
Competing on the World Stage
Fred is particularly excited by the opportunity to compete and train alongside some of the world’s best young athletes, including fellow Australian sprint sensation Gout Gout.
“I’m really looking forward to getting to know the athletes better. Some of the greatest people I’ve met have been people I’ve had to race directly against, so getting to be on the same team will be great.”
“I’ve been told that the World U20 Championships is an experience of a lifetime. To be on the same track alongside crazy generational talent and world record holders is humbling.”
Earning Selection
When Fred heard the news of his selection, he admitted it was not a moment of celebration but rather a sense of relief after all the training and lead-up.
“The big surprise was after my run at nationals. I had a hamstring injury for a couple of weeks in the lead-up, and it was essentially the final race to decide selection. Everything was riding on that single race, so doing well in that meant a lot more than the official selection notification.”
Support and Development at King’s
Fred credits much of his development to the consistent support of his coaches, particularly Mr Ben Gavan, Master in Charge of Athletics.
“I can’t really pin it down to one moment,” Fred reflects. “It’s been a continuous and enjoyable journey. Mr Gavan is more than an athletics coach. For so many boys, he is in your corner, encouraging you to be the best version of yourself.”
Among the memories that stand out most are the famous early morning hill sprint sessions during winter.
“The Mr Gavan Special entails Monday morning hill sprints in mid-winter,” explains Fred. If you can get through those sessions, then the last 50 metres of a 400 metre sprint feels a little bit easier.”
Character and Commitment
For Mr Gavan, Fred’s selection reflects not only his athletic ability but the character and humility that define him.
“Since joining us at King’s, Fred has fully engaged himself in all aspects of school life,” Mr Gavan says. “He is incredibly hardworking and has achieved great success, but his most endearing qualities are his genuine humility and warmth of personality.”
Balancing School and Sport
Balancing elite-level athletics with the demands of Year 12 has required discipline and careful time management, something Fred believes the King’s environment has helped him navigate successfully.
“King’s is set up for students with heavy schedules. We have rowers, swimmers, cricketers, basketball players, footballers, boys in leadership and many pursuing co-curricular activities. I’m one of many busy boys, and it’s just part of our lives,” says Fred.
The Role of Boarding Life
Boarding life has also played a significant role in supporting his journey.
“The support of the boarding community has made my life so much easier,” Fred says. “Not only the convenience, but the people that are there for you, especially my Housemaster, Mr Ruddock, who always makes time for you.”
A True Team Player
As a relay athlete, Mr Gavan described Fred as “the ultimate teammate”, recalling his courageous performance in The King’s School’s record-breaking 2024 Senior 4 x 400 metre relay at the AAGPS Championships.
“Fred had been injured and unable to fully prepare himself, but somehow found the energy within to keep his team in the race,” recalls Mr Gavan. “With Fred on your team, you are always in with a chance to win.”
Mr Gavan believes Fred’s success is built on countless unseen hours of work and dedication.
“The only way he has been able to scale to these heights is by doing the work day in and day out that nobody sees or celebrates. Monday morning hills, in the dark and cold of winter, is where the magic happens,” says Mr Gavan.
A Proud Tradition of Excellence
Fred’s selection continues a proud tradition of athletics excellence at The King’s School, becoming the seventh Kingsman since 2011 to compete at this level.
According to Mr Gavan, The King’s School Athletics Program belongs to the young men who train and dedicate themselves to the sport they love.
“Our mission is to facilitate opportunities and remove obstacles so that they can reach their potential and follow their dreams and goals.”
“The culture of our program is to make sure that any young man who wants to achieve in athletics is supported, mentored and celebrated so they can become all they hope to be. No doubt we are all very proud of our Athletics program and what so many of us have worked hard to build, but the reality of our success is that our young men are the ones who set the tone, do all of the running fast, jumping high or long and throwing far.”
Reflecting on the upcoming championships, Mr Gavan said he hopes Fred embraces every moment of the experience.
“I hope Fred gets everything he deserves: a wonderful experience, new friendships, immense pride in representing his country and memories that will last a lifetime.”