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ATHLETE STORY
Experience Not Felt Possible: 43 Minutes and 18 Seconds
Jimmy’s Bridge to Brisbane 10km journey shows how rehabilitation, strength and consistency helped him manage knee pain, build confidence and discover what he could achieve.
Author:
PEAK Sports and Spine Centre
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Published Oct 25, 2026
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Sometimes, you don’t know what’s possible until you give it a go.
For Jimmy, one of our young athletes at PEAK, what started as a fun run with Mum has turned into a genuine love of running — and a goal to break 43 minutes for 10km. At just 9 years old, he recently lined up for the Bridge to Brisbane and crossed the finish line in an incredible 43 minutes and 18 seconds. But the time on the clock is only part of the story.
Where It All Started
A few years ago, he ran his first Bridge to Brisbane with his mum. At the time, he had only ever run around 3km, so the 10km distance was a pretty big step. The plan wasn’t necessarily to run the whole thing. But once he started, he kept going. Before he knew it, he had completed the full 10km — and, more importantly, he absolutely loved it.
That first experience sparked something. Running became something he wanted to keep doing, and the Bridge to Brisbane became more than just an event on the calendar. It became a goal to work towards.
The Challenge of Staying on Track
Earlier this year, things became a little more difficult when he started experiencing pain around the tendons of his right knee. After coming into PEAK, he was diagnosed with Osgood-Schlatter disease.
For a young athlete who loves to run, being told to manage training and be mindful of flare-ups can be frustrating. There was also the challenge of balancing his running with other athletics events and the overall load that came with being an active young athlete.
The goal wasn’t simply to get through the pain and keep running. It was about understanding his body, managing his training and building the capacity to handle the demands of running. That’s where the hard work really started.
The Work Behind the Result
At PEAK, his treatment involved a combination of dry needling, soft tissue work, manual therapy and taping, alongside a structured rehabilitation program.
We also used AXIT force plate testing to assess his strength and how he was loading through his legs. This helped us understand where he was at and gave us information to guide his rehabilitation and strength and conditioning program.
Building Strength and Resilience
The focus was on helping him become stronger and more resilient, while making sure he could continue working towards the things he enjoys. And that’s something we really value at PEAK.
It’s not just about treating an injury. It’s about helping athletes understand their bodies, build confidence and ultimately get back to doing what they love.
Race Day and the Next Goal
When race day finally came around, all of that work came together.
He ran the 10km in 43 minutes and 18 seconds.
For a 9-year-old, that’s an incredible achievement. But what we love most about the story isn’t just the result. It’s what comes next. Because instead of being satisfied with 43:18, he’s already looking at those 18 seconds and thinking:
“Can I go under 43 minutes?”
That’s the kind of mindset that makes working with young athletes so rewarding.
He’s learning that progress doesn’t always happen in a straight line. There will be challenging sessions, sore days, setbacks and times when things don’t go exactly to plan. But with the right support, those challenges become part of the journey rather than reasons to stop.
An Experience Not Felt Possible
His journey is a great example of what we mean when we talk about an Experience Not Felt Possible. A few years ago, running 10km was something he hadn’t even considered. Then he ran it with his mum and discovered that he loved it.
This year, he ran 10km in 43:18. Now he’s chasing sub-43.
That’s the progression we want to see in every athlete who walks through the doors at PEAK — not necessarily chasing a particular time or achievement, but discovering what they’re capable of when they have the right people around them and are willing to put in the work.
His story also reflects so many of the values we live by at PEAK.
He has had to Choose His Pain — embracing the hard work of rehabilitation and strength rather than taking the easy option.
He’s learning to Master His Game by understanding his body, his training and what he needs to perform.
He’s certainly Wanted the Ball, continuing to set goals and put himself out there despite the challenges.
And he’s been surrounded by Strength in Numbers — family, coaches and the PEAK team all playing a role in his journey.
Sub-43 minutes for 10km. We’re excited to see where the next chapter takes him. Because sometimes, an Experience Not Felt Possible isn’t about one huge moment. Sometimes, it’s simply about looking back and realising just how far you’ve come — and then wondering, “What if I can go a little further?”
Stronger Every Step of the Way
Whether you’re returning from injury or working towards a new goal, the PEAK team can help you build strength, confidence and the capacity to do what you love.
Your Next Goal Starts Here