“I was going for the podium,” he said.

Now Hamish has bigger fish to fry, keen to finish in the top 10 at nationals in late August. The 11 year-old also dreams of not only of competing in the Olympics as a triathlete, but winning a medal for Australia.

He wants to walk in the footsteps of Wagga’s six-time Australian champion triathlete Brad Kahlefeldt and course record holder for the Ironman World Championship Craig Alexander.

“They’re really good runners and they’re really fit.”

Hamish doesn’t take part in any specialised running training, devising his own training regime and putting in the hard yards before and after school.

“He’s very self-motivated,” Hamish’s mum Jenny said.

Hamish genuinely enjoys long distance running, but race day can be a daunting affair.

“The most intimidating thing is seeing people with state jumpers, and seeing their shoes, I don’t think certain brands are very good, so anyone who wears those brands probably isn’t very good.”

Once his competitors have been sized up, he focuses on getting out in front.

“I try and get a lead, try and hold that lead and bring it home from there,” he said.