| Profile | |
|---|---|
| Event(s) | 3000m, 5000m |
| DOB | 2 Mar 2007 |
| Coach | Peter Schuwalow |
| Senior Club | Frankston Athletics |
Imogen Baker, 19, from Rosebud, a seaside suburb on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, will compete in the 3000m and 5000m at the 2026 World U20 Championships.
Imogen won the Australian U20 3000m Championship in Hobart in February to clinch her selection. She made her Australian team debut in March 2026 at the World university Games Cross Country held in Cassino in Italy. Upon her return to Australia she won the Australian U20 5000m title.
How did you begin athletics: I started running in local fun runs when I was 6 with my family and started doing school run clubs and parkrun throughout primary school. I enjoyed beating my older sisters and family and found racing and the occasional training run fun…Journey to World U20 Champs selection: World U20 selection has been the main focus of my training the last few years. Racing, especially at Nationals and Zatopek taught me a lot about competing and how to get the best out of myself in training and competition. Finishing three times as a National silver medallist in photo finishes in the 3000m made winning Nationals in both 3000m and 5000m (in 2026) such a reward for all the training and learning of the past few years…Most influential person in your career: My biggest influence is my coach Pete. He first started coaching me in 2019 and has supported me every step to become my best version of myself on and off the track. He introduced me to some of the greats of our sport and offers so many resources to learn and develop as an athlete. Through him I’ve shared the road with incredible people, including friends I train with and world championship marathoner Sarah Klein, who has taught me as much about life as running… Advice to your young self: Keep at it, enjoy the process, and try dipping on the line…  Hobbies: Watching Formula 1 and Cycling and hanging out with my dog…Occupation: student and School sports coach and ticketing at local Tree Surfing…Education: second year of a Bachelor of Nutrition Science at Monash Clayton…Biggest challenge faced: Setbacks from tough races can rattle you but help you learn a lot to grow!
@ 25 July 2026 david.tarbotton@athletics.org.au
