Reflecting on his recent win at the 2026 Australian Junior Athletics Championships in Brisbane, Oliver Facer felt mostly gratitude as he stood atop the podium.
The Patrician Brothers’ Fairfield student worked hard to become the National U/20 110m Hurdles Champion but humbly recognises the important role many people in his life have played in his achievement.
And now that the 17-year-old has been chosen to represent Australia at the upcoming World Under 20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon, he will be needing their support more than ever.
Starting hurdles when he was just eight-years-old, Oliver’s achievements include being a nine-time National champion and 25-time State champion. He also holds several State records and one National record.
And while Oliver came through the junior age groups winning comfortably, his competitors had become older and more experienced.
“I’ve struggled with a few injury scares that definitely hindered my confidence at times,” he admitted.
“I train two times a week at the gym and three times a week at the track and have, at times, lacked motivation while juggling school life.”
According to his mother Anna, Oliver has always been a gifted and talented sportsman since he was young.
He competed in gymnastics, soccer and athletics but eventually found “his passion and gift” in hurdles and sprints.
“We have always encouraged him to strive to do his very best and to always use the gifts and talents that God has given him,” she said.
“Ollie has incredible resilience and strength, and his faith in God and Mama Mary has taught him to accept that he may not always win, but that the Lord always has a plan for us and he will always catch us when we fall.”
She said his dedication has been consistent despite juggling his studies, leadership roles, school responsibilities, family commitments and time with his mates.
“We are in awe of his ability to give his all in everything he does,” she said.
“We are very grateful to our extended family, his college community and our friends, who have supported and encouraged Ollie on his athletics journey and throughout all his competitions, cheering him on all the way.
“Our family works around Ollie’s training and competition schedules as much as we can, supporting him and being there for his races as often as possible.
“We have also been very grateful to have Ollie’s coaches, Cath and Steve Sorojevic and Tad Grzelak there to support Ollie throughout his athletics journey.”
Oliver echoes his mother’s sentiments, saying his parents have, “undoubtedly sacrificed so much for me to get to the point where I am today.”
“I know I probably don’t show it enough but I am incredibly grateful for them.
“My coaches, Steve, Cath and Tad have helped me so much throughout my journey in my career so far and have sacrificed so much of their time from setting up hurdles, making programs and endless feedback.
“All the work behind the scenes doesn’t go unnoticed and they have been with me through hardships and adversity and most deservingly through victory.”
Patrician Brothers’ Fairfield Principal Peter Wade, one of many supportive staff at the college, was incredibly proud of Oliver’s outstanding achievement in becoming the National U/20 110m Hurdles Champion.
“Oliver is not only a dedicated and talented athlete, he is also an exceptional role model for students at the college,” said Wade.
“As college vice captain and leader of mission, Oliver is a young man who exemplifies strong faith, exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to his studies.
“A particular telling point of his character is that the day after competing at the National Championships in Brisbane, Oliver was back at school, a true testament to his discipline and dedication.
“His success is also a credit to his proud parents, Greg and Anna and his older brother Zach.
“I have no doubt he is shaping to be a serious contender for future Australian representative honours, with the potential to compete at the Olympic level.”
