Twin runners inspired by University of Oregon track camp at Hayward Field in TrackTown USA

TWIN brothers Nick and Tom Corel of Mosman are chasing an American college education after attending a training camp at a top athletics university.

Twins Tom and Nick Corel of Mosman are Junior Sports Star nominees. Picture: Virginia Young

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TRAINING at a top athletics university in the United States has inspired twin brothers to aim for an American college education.

Mosman runners Nick and Tom Corel, 16, are this week’s Junior Sports Star nominees.

The twins attended a University of Oregon track and field camp during the July school holidays at the historic Hayward Field in the renowned TrackTown USA.

Both started athletics when they were nine. The Year 11 students run for their school, Redlands, Mosman Little Athletics and the Sydney Striders Running Club.

Brothers Nick and Tom Corel training in the rain in Mosman. Picture: Virginia Young

The brothers have won a swag of medals and finals placings at state and regional championships, Little Athletics and the All Schools championships.

They are working on improving their personal bests and achieving national qualification times.

Tom said he had a great time at Oregon.

“I did the sprinting program for the 200m and 400m and it was really enjoyable,” he said.

“It was an inspiring experience which I got a lot out of. I was very happy with it.”

Tom and Nick Corel. Picture: Virginia Young

Nick said he appreciated learning from experienced coaches in the middle distance program. He runs the 800m and 1500m.

“We had seven mentors who run in the track team for Oregon; world class athletes,” he said.

“We ran with them and learnt from them.”

The brothers also enjoyed success at an Oregon All Comers’ track and field meet. Tom won a 200m race and Nick placed second in an 800m race.

Tom and Nick Corel. Picture: Virginia Young

Nick aspires to attain a student athlete scholarship to the University of Washington to study computer science or programming while running for the track team.

Tom also hopes for an athletics scholarship and is interested in international relations, but is undecided about which university he would prefer.

“There are a whole bunch of factors they look at; you need good grades too,” he said. “You have to be an all-rounder.”

Rebel is the major sponsor of the Junior Sports Star awards. Nominate online at juniorsportsstar.com.au/nominate

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