Ballarat's Cooper Sherman says his start to the year has prompted him to adjust his expectations and that the Paris Olympics could be more than just a dream.
He smashed personal best times in the 100m and 400m, clocking times of 10.45 and 46.80 seconds respectively, at a recent Victoria Shield Athletics League meeting in Ballarat.
The time of 10.45 seconds is legally the fastest by an Australian this year.
“I think I'm starting to peak at the right time,” he said.
“I hadn't run a 100m in about three months before the race I ran last weekend.
“I'm happy to see this improvement from then until now.”
Sherman said his improvement came from his mental improvement over the past few months to ignore injuries.
“For the last couple of years I've had a problem with my hamstring, and it's mostly been due to my mentality,” he said.
“Because I have had so many hamstring injuries, it worries me a lot and I think about it a lot.
“It keeps me from running as fast as I can.
“Now I can take control and I'm more positive about how I think when I run and how my body feels that I can run to my full potential.
“It's a result of the times I'm running in at the moment.”
His age now has him dreaming of an Olympic berth.
“I'm not sure whether I have any chance of participating in the Olympics or not,” he revealed.
“But considering my condition and the start of the year going well, I will try to do my best and maybe make a relay team for the Olympics.
“I wouldn't be disappointed if I didn't do it, because it's the best ever.
“It's my current goal right now.”
Sherman's focus now turns to the state championships this weekend, where he will look to win the 100-meter, 200-meter and 400-meter races.
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The 19-year-old will be one of the candidates.
He said it was important to perform at home, especially since he made sure he was racing at home and not at another meet.
“There is an ACT Championships happening at the same time (this weekend) which is an early national championships for Australian athletes,” Sherman said.
“Most athletes looking to do well will go to ACT Champions.
“I decided to stay in Ballarat because it is my hometown and I am looking forward to seeing what I can do here.
“I want to try to be the person in Ballarat who is known for being aggressive.”
Sherman will also compete in the upcoming Ballarat Gift and has his sights set on the Stawell Gift as well.
But the youngster said his focus remains on competing in all the sprint events, 100m, 200m and 400m, as his career continues to flourish.
“I did a good job managing the gifts,” he said.
“I treat it as training, not a competition, because everyone has disabilities, so I can really push myself with those disabilities.
“Mostly, my focus is on the 200m and 400m, but the focus is changing because all three of my events are on equal points, and I'm doing equally well in each.
“I keep going because I might break through one of them.
“So, if I keep doing all three, which I love to do, it will give me the best chance of doing anything at the Olympics,” he added.
The state championships begin on Australia Day and continue until Sunday.
Originally published as Cooper Sherman wins 100m, 200m and 400m at country championships
