Work hard, dream big
By Kimberly Grabham.
Hay has always been a town that produces a plethora of talented, focused, and ambitious people, both in the sporting realms and otherwise. The rate at which these young adults are rising just seems to be faster than ever before. Massive case in point being 14-year-old Nathaniel Clarke who appeared on Channel 7’s Weekend Sunrise program on Saturday.
Nate, as he is commonly referred to, is the son of locals Darren and Carolyn Clarke. One only needs to cross the threshold of their home to see what a grounded, tight knit and heart-warming family unit they are. Scrumptious cooking smells, children helping out and doing homework, father Darren busy in the kitchen, and mother Carolyn always busy, it’s a family unit not seen often anymore.
“We couldn’t do what we do, Nate and I, without the support of the family and our other children,” Nate’s mother Carolyn says.
“His siblings are his biggest supporters, we are hoping to be able to take the other children to see Nate run at a state event, they haven’t been able to before.
“Nate is truly the driving force behind his success.
“He has always led the way in which direction we take next, we always ask him are you happy with that are you finished? And the answer has always been, no let’s go one more.
“I am so proud to be able to train with Nate, be beside him when he competes in events; I wish I could literally run with him.”
Nate has always been passionate about running, starting Little Athletics when he was six.
He eats a balanced diet, but truly loves his protein and carbs.
“We will carb load up to a week prior to an event, and on the day of an event, I have a light breakfast, such as toast and vegemite, to avoid getting a stitch mid race. I’m not a fan of sweet things or fruit so I make sure to eat lots of salad and vegetables.”
Running is Nate’s priority and love, but when he manages to get down time, he likes to play video games, and play AFL with his friends.
He is very driven, Physical Activity and Sports Studies (PSSA) being his favourite subject, is a member of the SRC, and he is a keen debater. His long-term plans are to venture into Law. His athletics goals are to win a gold medal at CHS and to medal at NSW All Schools. Longer term goals are to compete at the Commonwealth and Olympic Games in 2032.
Carolyn echoes the sentiment Nate has about the town and sporting facilities.
“What this town does for its children is incredible, we don’t feel disadvantaged. The town has been so supportive and helpful, the facilities here are fantastic.”
Nate is immensely grateful for all the support he receives from Hay.
“Thank you to the community, the Hay High Achievers, Hay Shire Council; the sporting facilities are outstanding and even if they aren’t athletics specific, they provide the children of Hay with many opportunities to explore different sports and ways to stay fit and healthy, as well as finding passion for something they love to do.
Nate has insightful advice for other young people pursuing dreams in small towns. “Just because you don’t start out as the best doesn’t mean you can’t be the best version of yourself. Work hard to achieve your goals and persevere; the effort you put in is worth the results and be the best that you can be.
“Coming from a small town doesn’t mean you can’t dream big; work hard, stick with it, believe in yourself and you will get there.”
Nate’s next event is the CHS (Combined High Schools) event in September, which will telecast in Hay Live. We will all be glued to the screen, supporting, and showing our pride for this amazing young man.
Nate Clarke during his daily self-paced training sessions at Hay Park. Image: Brett Naseby Creative.
