Competing for Cathedral College Wangaratta, Max approached the challenging Yarra Glen course with focus and confidence.
Following on from an impressive first-place finish at the recent Hume Region Championships, the year 8 student overcame injury in his hand to find himself on another podium.
Max has a versatile sporting background consisting of football, basketball and golf, on top of his athletic endeavours.
No stranger to the podium, he achieved a silver medal and personal best time at the Little Athletics Australian National Championships, under 14 Boys 1500m.
Having represented Victoria in various athletic and cross-country competitions, Max said his main aspiration was to compete for his country.
“I would love to represent Australia on the international stage,” Max said.
“I find you always have to aim high; an Olympian is someone I’d love to become.”
The Coll family traded the busy Melbourne lifestyle for Yarrawonga, where Max exchanged time spent playing video games for physical activity.
He said his parents, and motivational speaker David Goggins, were his inspiration.
“My parents thought I needed a hobby that wasn’t playing NBA 2K or Fortnite,” he said.
“When I was getting into running four years ago, before each run I’d listen to David Goggins' motivation, which would fire me up.
“His messaging inspired me, I’d ask myself what was the point of running if I wasn’t going to finish?”
Coach Brendan Norden praised Max’s attitude and discipline throughout his athletics endeavours.
“He just quietly goes about his business,” said Brendan.
“The result at the State National Cross Country Championships was no fluke, it came from hard work and consistency.”
Shown in his tenacious, never die attitude, Max has the makings of a varsity athlete who will continue to knock on the door of national representation.
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