Bronze medal winner Sam Carter inspires Harristown High students

Toowoomba’s newest Commonwealth Games superstar returned home to share the secrets to his success and to inspire students from his former school. This is what he had to say.

With his first major championship medal draped around his neck, Sam Carter is inspiring the next generation of students and athletes.

Carter, who won T54 1500m bronze at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, returned to Harristown State High School to speak to students in the Special Education Unit.

“The support I received from Harristown while I was at school and since played an absolutely instrumental part in my sporting career,” Carter said.

“Even though I didn’t do a lot of sport in school I did receive a lot of support and care around facilitating my career outside of school.

Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Sam Carter visits his former school, Harristown State High School. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“When I was in high school I was travelling internationally and quite busy with training – Harristown were always fantastic in honouring that commitment that I had to sport while also providing me the support I needed academically.

“It’s a huge privilege to return here (Harristown High).

“Athletes like Kurt Fearnley and Louise Savage made a really big impression on me growing up – to be able to impart that sort of feeling on students at my school really means a lot to me.”

Harristown State High School student Seth Foster chats with Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Sam Carter. Picture: Kevin Farmer

In the Birmingham final Carter raced off the start line and spent the entirety of the race in the leading pack.

Racing on the eve of his 31st birthday, Carter secured an early birthday present when he finished behind England’s Nathan Maguire and Daniel Sidbury.

“This is my first major international medal,” he said

“It means a lot to me – it’s a dream come true.

“I felt like I was an outside chance to be on the podium and I wanted to be optimistic going into the games but I am a sprinter by trade so 1500m is different to what I’m used.

“But the race came together really well and I have a really good team behind.

“By the time of the last lap I was pretty spent and it was basically just work really hard, spend it all to see what I had left.”