Ben Thomas: Gap Year, 3:37 1500, and the Decision to Villanova
A year ago, Ben Thomas wasn’t sure what his future plans were. As some of his other mates were headed to the NCAA, Ben chose to defer from Uni in Australia, and take time off to figure out his future. Primarily an 800m runner, Ben ended the 2023 season with personal bests of 49.69/1:50.78/3:50.78. Post 2023 nationals, he built up his training volume from 30-40km/wk (19-25mi/wk) to 80km/wk (50mi/wk) and after some XC and 3000 races at the end of 2023, he started to see himself more than an just 800m athlete. The 19 year old has since raced three 1500s in the 2024 season - all of which sub 3:42. His personal best of 3:37.96 would currently rank him #8 in the NCAA this season. Ben will be joining Jack Coomber and Jack Fenlon in Villanova’s class of 2023.
You deferred/took a gap year after graduating high school. Was there any reason behind that?
Yeah, I took the year off just to give myself time to figure out what I wanted to do. I was enrolled in uni in Australia right up until the deadline. I ended up making a last-minute call to defer my degree and focus on gaining experience in the workforce and also focus more on my running to look at the possibility of going to the States. I really think it’s been huge in setting myself up in both aspects and being well-prepared for the next chapter.
In 2023, you ended the season with PBs of 49.69/1:50/3:50/8:16. 2024, you go all in on the 1500 - going under 3:42 three times and ending with a 3:37 PB. Was it intentional to go all in on the 1500? Did the training differ from this season to the last?
Yeah definitely! If you had asked me what kind of a runner I was at the start of 2023 I would have told you I’m an 800m runner and I didn’t feel like I had a good aerobic engine. But just before nationals in April I found out I had super low iron which I think affected me a lot in that aerobic sense. Post nationals I got my iron up to scratch and moved from 30-40kms a week to 80kms a week or so. Which still isn’t a huge amount but after taking these steps I started to run really well in aerobic sessions in training and I really enjoyed that side of running which I previously neglected. My coach, Jeremy Roff, was very smart in just building me up slowly from there and I gained a lot of strength through cross and then some longer track races at the back end of 2023 which I was able to carry into this season. After all this my perception of myself as a runner changed a lot as I became fit rather than fast. But I knew, now that I had the fitness and already have good speed, that I would do best at the 1500m so that’s what I’ve stuck to! I haven’t written off other events though and I think it’s important to race an 800 when you can to get that race sharpness and to run a good 1500 you have to have good 3k/5k strength too so it all plays a part.
Why Villanova? Did you consider other schools, and if so, what separated Villanova from the rest?
When I wanted to start seriously looking at US colleges, I had a top three in mind, that was; Villanova, Wisconsin, and the University of Washington. There are so many awesome schools but I felt like those three suited me best. In the end, Villanova really ticked all my boxes. It is strong academically and the program there is really good at building up their athletes. They create athletes who prosper in the NCAA but also go on to do big things post-college. But I think the biggest part that secured my decision was the support they offer and the team. Moving across the world isn’t a smooth ride, and Villanova was able to offer great aid in that sense which meant a lot. As for the team, one of my good mates from back in Aus is already at Villanova so it’s good to have that familiarity!
3:37.96 would already put you at #8 this season in the NCAA. What are your expectations and goals for year one in the States?
Moving over to the states will be a big change for me and there is a lot I will have to adapt to, so I’m really trying not to put any expectations on myself. My main goal is to get into a good routine and get consistent. I don’t expect to go over and pb straight away I just want to make sure I don’t go backwards. If I stay healthy and keep ticking away where I’m at I know my first year will be really positive and from there hopefully I can just keep getting better!
You come from a very athletic family; both mom and dad were Australian Ironman Triathlon Champions, sister a multiple time All-American at Washington. How much of an impact have they had on your athletics career thus far? Did you do any other sports growing up?
My family has had a major impact on my athletic career for sure. Of course, there is the physiological side where I’ve probably drawn pretty lucky with genetics haha, but also my parents have such good knowledge of sport which has helped a lot. They have a conservative approach which I think is really important at a young age. As a kid, I loved running but was never pushed into it. My parents are firm believers in having enjoyment in sport so that’s what they wanted for me. They made sure I wasn’t doing too much because it’s easy for young kids to get injured and lose enjoyment in the sport. I would go and run a couple of hills here and there or go for a 20 minute run a couple times a week but that was it until I was probably 14 or so. After that, I started running with a coach but my parents always held me back which was super positive in my development in the sport. Even now, I listen to my parents if they think I’ve got too many races coming up etc because they know me so well and how to keep me healthy. Having my sister in the sport has also opened up a lot of doors for me and helped me establish valuable connections in the sport as well as just having someone to enjoy the sport alongside. Carley has been through the college process and has a lot of experience in the sport so it’s been very useful to have her knowledge. As for other sports, I played soccer as a kid, like most, and also AFL but I found my passion in running.
What’s one thing you’ll miss from Australia, and what’s something you are most excited about when you get to the US?
I’m of course really going to miss my friends and family, but one thing I’m going to miss a lot is the beach. Australian beaches are amazing and I just love being in the ocean. I’m most excited to be a part of a team in the US, I’m keen for the camaraderie and to be competing and training as a part of an awesome team!
Any race plans post-Aussie season before you head off to America?
I’m not too sure yet. I would love to head to Europe and get some races in, but I have to talk things through with my coach and see what he thinks is best.
