Oli Moran admits it can be a challenge trying to juggle school with the demands of BMX racing, but that doesn't mean he's not trying to make the most of both.
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Despite being one of Australia's best young BMX prospects, the Year 11 student from Great Lakes College is intent on doing well in school so that if a professional racing career doesn't pan out, he's got other options to fall back on.
"I actually really enjoy school," he said.
"I enjoy maths. I'm thinking about maybe studying engineering one day."
Oli's coach, former professional BMX racer and Beijing Olympian, Luke Madill, believes this mature and level-headed outlook is one of Oli's finest attributes.
"These kids need to have an understanding that schooling and life outside of BMX is important," he said.
"Oli's definitely got the right attitude and the right mental strength."
With a number of wins and podium-placings in 2019 complementing an already strong competitive record, Oli's attitude certainly hasn't done his racing any harm.
Currently ranked second in Australia in the Junior Elite class and having just come off a third place finish at the BMXA BAD BOY National Championships in Shepparton, Victoria, the 17-year-old believes he's a good chance of being selected for the world championships in Belgium in July.
Mr Madill believes he's also a shot of making the Olympics in 2024.
"He's ticking all the boxes," he said.
"He's pretty much been the kid to beat over the last couple of years."
With Year 12 ahead of him and a training and racing regime that is already fairly demanding, Oli is trying not to look too far ahead, but admits he'll give the professional thing a go once he finishes school.
"I just want to see the world and if it goes good, hopefully I can make a career out of it," he said.
"I would have to go international - to Europe or the States - to make it professionally."
Having raced for the first time as a six-year-old, Oli said his commitment to the sport had been driven by how much he enjoyed it.
"I find it so fun," he said.
"I love going to new tracks and pushing myself out of my comfort zone."
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