At just 17 years old, Mackay’s Toby Rule is proving himself as one of Queensland’s most exciting middle-distance prospects. A Year 12 student at Holy Spirit College, Toby balances schoolwork with training, racing, and even a job as a local lifeguard.
“I’m an aspiring middle-distance athlete,” shared Toby.
“My interests outside the track are recovering and spending time with my friends, as well as working as a lifeguard at a local facility.”
Toby’s family moved from Brisbane to Mackay in December 2010 when his dad’s work first in banking and then in the mines brought them north. The shift gave him opportunities to grow as an athlete outside the busyness of the city.
“Living in Mackay has given me a lot of opportunities. I’ve represented the Athletics North Queensland team, Queensland and the Regional Australia Team.
“It’s allowed me to meet some fantastic people, like the late Coach Kate Colahan, and I’ve been able to make strong connections with others in the sport.
“It has been important to gain race experience outside of home base but not get caught up in the busyness of the city and the move has enabled me to remain outside of the southeast corner and still compete and do well against my peers.”
Running first sparked his interest back in Year 4 cross country.
“I made my first Cumberland team; however, I didn’t do well. This was enough to inspire me to want to go further, which started happening when Mum and Dad started coaching me.”
That persistence has paid off in a big way. Earlier this year, Toby cracked the four-minute barrier in the 1500m, a milestone few Australian juniors achieve.
“I now consider that moment as a stepping stone for 2025. At the time, it showed me that I still have more to give and opened up several opportunities for improvement through PBs, State and National medals.”
Those opportunities are already materialising, at the Queensland School Sport Track and Field Championships recently Toby stormed home with four gold medals, crowned State Champion in the 800m, 1500m, 3000m Steeplechase and 5000m.
The hard sessions and lonely kilometres don’t bother him.
“I enjoy the hard work. Completing the session is the reward, and seeing the results is motivating.”
His biggest backers have always been close to home.
“My mum and dad are my greatest supporters and influencers. They are always standing and cheering for me. Of course, there is the financial side of things; without that, I couldn’t get to competitions. I am always on the lookout for sponsorship. I am constantly striving to beat my competitors.”
As for the future, Toby is aiming high with his sights set on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. While sport will be his focus after school, he’s also thinking long-term.
“After Year 12, running will be my focus but career-wise, I would love to be a Paramedic.”
When asked about who he’d most like to learn from, Toby doesn’t hesitate.
“Not necessary to line up against, however, I’d like to have a one-on-one conversation with Hicham El Guerrouj, the 1500m World Record Holder. I’d want to learn how he trained, how he raced and how he had the willpower to keep pushing when times got tough.”
For now, Toby Rule continues to put one foot in front of the other, chasing times, medals and opportunities, but always with an eye on the bigger picture, representing his region, his state, and one day, his country on the Olympic stage.
