Teacher quit job to pursue athletics career

Jack Kavanagh quit his teaching job to take on a full-time athletics career

A teacher has quit his job to pursue a full-time athletics career after a 5km run time during lockdown raised eyebrows.

Kirsty Cutting said she "needed proof" after her brother Jack Kavanagh recorded a time of 16 minutes and 32 seconds while working as a primary school teacher in Hurst Green, near Oxted, in Surrey.

Soon after, Kavanagh signed up for a marathon. And four years later, he has won a silver medal in the men's 5,000m race at UK Championships.

"I gave up my teaching. It was a big risk, a gamble, but you've got to take these risks. And I'm sure it'll pay off eventually," he said.

Jack Kavanagh is aiming for 2028 Olympics selection

His sister, Ms Cutting, said she urged him to join a run club and get a coach after his 5km run during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Soon after, Kavanagh began competing in national competitions, representing Holland Sports Athletics Club in Hurst Green – a track which holds sentimental value to the runner.

"My grandad helped build the track, and his ashes are scattered on the pitch next to it," he said.

'Fastest rising elite athlete in history'

His coach Neil Danby, a former Olympian, said: "He is by far the most advanced 5km runner in the UK.

"He's possibly the fastest rising elite athlete in history. He's gone from a 16:32 5km, to 13:34 in three years, which is unheard of."

Mr Danby also praised Kavanagh's "grounded nature" after he returned to Squerryes Winery Parkrun in Westerham a day after winning his biggest title yet, the England Championships.

Kavanagh is now aiming for 2028 Olympics selection.

He said: "That's the pinnacle. I dream of it, it would be amazing, and my coach has taken people there before and I don't see why he can't do it again."