Westfields Sports _______________________________________________________________   First In Australia 5th April 2001Athletics Page 8 John Has A Dream John Thornell has his sights set squarely on his goal, to be part of the next Olympic Games. -------Following is the Telegraph story. When Russell Crowe accepted his Oscar he said: "For anyone who is on the downside of advantage and relying on courage, it is possible." Katrina Creer spoke to three Sydney teenagers embarking on equally ambitious quests. John Thornell, 15, of Miller, is an outstanding athlete who wants to compete at the next Olympics. He holds a national junior record for high jump, is a 100m sprinter and competes in the open division for long jump. He said: 'Russell Crowe's acceptance speech sank in straight away; I thought I can do exactly the same as him, but on the athletics track. Being from the suburbs makes me more determined to achieve my dreams. I love the Liverpool area and want to show people that Miller is is a great neighbourhood and nice people come from there. Everyone wants me to succeed; I haven't come across anyone who is negative. I transferred to Westfields Sports High last November; It was the best decision I have ever made - I wish every day was a school day now. The principal gave me a piece of ribbon the length between Jai Taurima's silver medal jump at the Sydney games and my personal best. Each time I better my personal best he cuts a bit off. It is less than a metre now and I carried it in my hand for good luck when I competed at the recent national championships in Brisbane. I actually met Jai and Peter Burge at the Sydney Grand Prix. They really got behind me and started the crowd clapping for my last jump jumps; a fantastic experience. Picture By: Dan Suchy Olympic Visions: Athlete John Thornell, 16, at Westfields Sports High. Jai was really encouraging, giving me a few tips and even rang me before the nationals and told me to "jump out of my skin". I am from a single parent family and my mum is really supportive of my dream. When I was 10 I went through a rough stage an athletics and she suggested I take a year off, which proved great advice ecause I came back even stronger. It can be a bit tough financially travelling to interstate meets, but Cabramatta Leagues Club is helping me and Asics gave me my spikes and some clothes. Homework, training and travel is a bit of a juggle. I had a note of concern sent home the other day, so I had to nail down and do some study. I see myself at the Olympics, up there with Jai and Peter, hopefully in Athens; if not definately the next games. I love the crowd and the support from my family, friends and teachers.' It is with thanks to the For this artical Athletics Index Page Home About-Us Credits Information Links News Publications Search Sports Staff Students.Work Year 12