The Hutchins School year 12 student had little problem in smashing the four-year 3000m open mark at the Sports Association of Tasmanian Independent Schools carnival.

He shaved more than four seconds to win the in a time of 8:50.43 as the standout record of the day on the St Leonard’s track.

“Stewy McSweyn, who is a bit of a legend in Tassie really, has really motivated me to do those sort of times,” Chilcott said afterwards.

“He’ll be able to do that [race] anytime because he’s got such great depth, as well running top 10 for 1500 or a 3k.

“I have talked to him a couple of times, but, of course, he’s off in competition. 

“I do comment a bit on his Instagram too, saying good job and all that.”

Chilcott was very aware of the time to beat and the splits he required as each of the seven and a half laps passed.

The moment of crossing the line blurred from belief into pure elation, instinctively jumping into the stands to celebrate the new record with his family that had travelled up from Hobart for the annual SATIS event.

“It’s a hard race – so I was stoked to get this record,” Chilcott said.

“It was the goal to get an 8:50 despite the conditions and running out on my own, but it’s only early days for the rest of the season to hopefully work on the 3k a bit more.”

“That was the goal to get the record for sure, but it was a tough record to beat.”

Chilcott’s run was more remarkable out of season, but more so for the preferred steeplechaser that is not on the schools program.

The best may still be around the corner.

He feels he can finish inside the top three at the Zatopek 10 come December.

“The season hasn’t started yet, but I had a really good off season, which is why I was able to produce that time so early,” Chilcott said.

“That was more because of doing aerobic, cross-country stuff.”

St Patrick’s Isabella Davie had a strong day among multiple wins. She set a new record of 1:04.64 in the under-13 girls 400 metres.