Originally from Canberra, Robinson now bases himself in Ballarat – training alongside Collis Birmingham and other endurance athletes.

He produced the third fastest non-fastest qualifying time in his heat in Moscow today to get into the medal event.

Athletics Australia reports that recognising the slow pace of his race the 21-year-old knuckled down and headed to the front with two laps to go to quicken the pace and give himself every opportunity for a spot in the final.

Robinson, who ran in the 2010 world junior championships, held that lead until only shortly before the home straight.


“The pace out there was good. I felt really comfortable,” he said.

“I didn’t actually mean to go to the front, but I noticed I’d be out in lane three so I decided to have a dip and just go to the front to avoid the really wide run around the bend.

“It was good to push the pace,” Robinson said.


“This race was a little different because a few people had agreed to take the pace to make sure some of us got through, and that definitely won’t happen in the final.

“I was lucky with that. It should be good.”



Robinson moved to Ballarat with Ryan Gregson in October last year to be part of the newly formed Ballarat Project.

As well as spending the summer training Ballarat, he has been working with Birmingham in the northern hemisphere during the Australian winter – training at altitude in the United States and competing in Great Britain and Europe.

This is Athletics Australia described Robinson’s performance via twitter:

“Through 1000m in 2:40.93 in heat one of the 5000m. Robinson sitting in middle of pack that remains together from start.

brettrobinson91 

“3 laps to go for @brettrobinson91 and he is holding his ground brilliantly! Field is 5 wide.

"@brettrobinson91 goes to the front with 2 laps to go. Bold move, gutsy!

“What a brave run by @brettrobinson91 Finished 7th in 13:24, but had a massive crack! Wait on times of next heat now.

“Official time 13:25.38 for 7th.

“13:25.38 will see @brettrobinson 91 through to the 5000m final as the 3rd fastest non-automatic qualifier. Rewarded for making heat fast.”