Marathon Star Jake Robertson Speaks on Twin Brother Zane’s Doping Scandal & The Fallout!

Jake Robertson from Hamilton is one of New Zealand’s fastest runners of all time.

Jake and his twin brother Zane moved to Kenya when they were 17 to train with the world’s best runners. And it paid off, big time. Jakes times are some of the fastest ever recorded by a kiwi over 10km, half marathon and the marathon.

Then in 2023, Jakes twin brother Zane received a lengthy ban for doping. An indiscretion that has also had huge negative repercussions for Jake

This podcast is part of the Jake Robertson story.

+ His early years in Hamilton being bullied for looking different.

+ His reflections on moving to Kenya as a teenager and getting so sick he almost died.

+ Training with Eliud Kipchoge and other world champions.

+ The impact his brother’s doping ban has had on him.

And much more.

Jake is for the most part pretty media shy and reserved- this is maybe the most open and reflective he has ever been in an interview before.

He was back home in New Zealand for some cancer treatment which we touch upon in this episode.

I hope you like it.

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Huge thanks to my friends at Radix for sponsoring this episode. Like Jake, Radix is made in the Waikato. Unlike Jake, Radix have no plans to relocate to Kenya at 17. Their instant breakfasts must be sampled to understand just how good they are. You can literally just tear the bag open, pour water in and eat. That one meal will give you 21g of protein and 1 and a half of your 5-a-day. It will fill you, you will feel good…and most importantly it tastes INCREDIBLE. Did I mention its healthy too? I knock back a breakfast before a long run and it keeps me going for hours. Check Radix out for yourself at https://radixnutrition.co.nz/ And use the code DOM for 15% of everything in the store Try it once and I promise you’ll be a fan for life. ***

Chapters

00:00Introduction and Background

04:09Personal Struggles and Family Dynamics

07:46Career Aspirations and Future Plans

12:05Health Challenges and Recovery

15:00Love Story: Meeting Maggie

18:47Running Achievements and Family Rivalry

21:54Early Life and Decision to Move to Kenya

35:00Arrival in Kenya and Training Beginnings

41:14The Journey of Parenthood and Ambition

42:32Overcoming Doubts and Motivations

43:37Friendship with Elliot Kipchoge

45:54Training with the Best: Lessons from Kipchoge

49:45The Impact of Tragedy in Athletics

54:07Reflections on Hardships in Kenya

58:04The Cost of Pursuing Dreams

01:01:20Surviving Adversity: Stories from Kenya

01:07:32The Threats and Realities of Professional Sports

01:10:19Navigating Doping Controversies

01:14:09The Financial Landscape of Long-Distance Running

01:18:04Training Regimens of Elite Athletes

01:21:28The Relationship with Athletics New Zealand

01:26:01The Emotional Toll of Family and Sport

01:27:23The Weight of Judgment and Personal Struggles

01:30:16Mental Health and the Pressure of Performance

01:33:16The Impact of Public Perception on Athletes

01:34:18Finding Hope and Coping Mechanisms

01:35:04Family Dynamics and Relationships

01:37:39Reflections on Regrets and Career Choices

01:39:24Financial Security and Future Aspirations

01:40:43Defining Success and Personal Growth

01:42:24Identity Beyond Athletics

01:44:29Misunderstandings and the Athlete's Journey

01:47:10Habits and the Athlete's Mindset

01:49:14The Challenge of Vulnerability

01:50:20Support Systems and the Need for Care

01:52:32Looking Forward: Future Goals and Legacy Who should be on the podcast next? Message Dom Instagram: @domharveynz Email: [email protected]

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