EAP Profile 1: Isaac Heyne
Published Tue 23 Nov 2021
We caught up with Athletics SA Emerging Athlete Program (EAP) member, Isaac Heyne, recently to talk about his form and how much the Program has helped his development.
Isaac Heyne: Age - 21, Club - Hills Districts Athletics Club
Disciplines: 1500m, 5000m & 10,000m
Athletics SA's EAP is into its fourth year and provides its members access to funding (covering equipment, supplies, travel, event entry and accommodation costs), services (such as testing, physiotherapy, nutrition and dietitian and psychology) and support (access to coaching, decision making assistance and information) to help athletes reach their goals.
Nineteen athletes make up the 2021-22 EAP squad.
Athletics SA Emerging Athlete Program Member and Hills Districts Athletics Club runner Isaac Heyne.
Heyne, who recently joined the Hills Districts Athletics Club from Pembroke, specialises in the 1500m, 5000m and 10,000m distances.
The 21-year-old has enjoyed an impressive run of form, winning the 2021 State 5km Road Championship in September in a time of 14:00, and followed it up with a victory Tasmania last month (October 23), winning the Burnie 10 in 29:24.
He edged out SA Olympian Matthew Clarke and 2021 State Cross Country Champion Max Stevens in the State 5km Road Championships, and seasoned runners Jack Bruce and Ryan Gregson in Tasmania.
Heyne winning the Burnie 10 in October, 2021.
Entering his second season as an EAP athlete, Heyne said the Program had made a noticeable difference in his preparation and performance.
"In my time I have had access to the South Australian Sports Institute (SASI) facilities, testing, sport science and dietetics, which has been really great," he said.
"It has made life so much easier.
"Having that extra funding to travel to races really makes the work-study-life balance easier as I can focus on my running, which has led to more consistent performances.
"Since I joined the EAP I think I have progressed nicely, the PBs have come down dramatically in each event so it's made a world of difference across a range of disciplines."
Heyne said he was feeling confident coming off a good winter season.
"I have the State 5000m coming up, which will be a good hitout to test where I am," he said.
"I had a really solid winter season where I improved on some of those Road PBs and won some races so which was great, but I am really excited about what's coming up.
"I ran some really good races over the winter where I posted nice times, but also had other races that didn't work out as well so I am looking forward to the track season to consolidate that good form and again improve my consistency."
Heyne representing SA at the National Championships in Sydney. Photo: Getty Images.
Despite winning three junior National Titles in 3000m, 5000m and Cross Country disciplines, as well as an Oceania Area Title, Heyne said that running didn't always come naturally to him.
"I started athletics when I was 12, and I was rubbish at running, but I just loved it," he said.
"I slowly, but surely made my way onto some State teams and by the time I was 17 I won a National Title, so it hasn't been smooth sailing, but I love it and that's what's kept me in the sport."
Heyne said he was focussing on lowering his PBs over next 12 months.
"I have some time goals that I want to hit this season," he said.
"I want to make my mark on the National scene, as I feel as though I under performed last season, so if I can get my name out there and start hitting those top five or 10 places in the Open arena at Nationals that would be really good improvement.
"I have qualified for the World University Games in China next year, which is a nice stepping stone.
"I am a way off the Commonwealth Games and World Championships at the moment, but you never know, if I have a good season and get into the right events you never know.
"I have full trust in my coach Adam Didyk (TeamTempo), so I will follow his plan."
Athletics SA Development Manager Blake Steele said he was excited to see what this year's EAP members can achieve, and wished Heyne well for upcoming events.
"Coming off the most successful season ever for the EAP, it’s fantastic to see that there’s more of the same to come from the athletes in the program this year," he said.
"We continue to see success from the EAP particularly in the endeavour to support the daily training environment of our high-performing athletes in many areas of funding, services, and assistance.
"Isaac has been in the EAP for the past two seasons, and it’s been fantastic to see his journey in the sport as he has developed and progressed into the athlete he is now.
"His absolute passion for competition and fierce attitude towards his training are just some aspects of an exciting talent whose versatility stems from 1500m to 10km.
"He’s as genuine as they come and we’re excited to support Isaac through this season."
For more about the Emerging Athlete Program, visit the page on the Athletics SA website
