Devonport’s Dillon Goss has scrapped plans to run across Australia in record time, choosing instead to focus on representing the country at the Olympics.
The 22-year-old, who completed a 1,326km charity run around Tasmania in 2024, said he made the difficult decision after discussions with his girlfriend Ivy about his long-term goals.
“I was going to do like a record attempt to run across the country in the fastest time known and raise awareness for mental health,” Goss said.
“But I have another dream that probably outweighs that one – to represent Australia in the Olympics.”
Goss said the cross-country attempt would have risked long-term damage to his body, potentially derailing his Olympic ambitions.
“Running across the country would probably batter your body a bit more,” he said.
“There’s that risk to have long-term foot damage, which takes a toll.”
The support worker is targeting distances from 10 kilometres to the marathon, with the marathon being his main focus.
His current personal best in the 10km sits at around 33 minutes, achieved in 2024 without specific race training.
Goss will test his form this Sunday at the Bluff 2 Boat Ramp 10km race in Devonport, where national record holder Sam Clifford is expected to compete.
“I don’t think I’m too far off,” he said.
“It’s pretty exciting to see where I’m at because you have all these professional runners coming down.”
Goss believes he’s at the perfect age to pursue his Olympic dream seriously.
“The big goal is the Olympics, but it’s not my identity,” he said.
“It’d mean the world, it’d mean everything, but I’m still a human, but I’m just appreciating each day as it comes.”
Goss is currently seeking sponsorship partnerships with businesses to help cover travel costs for mainland and international racing.
