Jesse’s cross country journey started in Moree at the annual school carnival.

His fifth place finish qualified him for regionals in Gravesend.

Competing in the 12-year boys heat, Jesse placed fifth again and qualified for zone at Coolah.

Just before heading to Coolah, his mother Kelly decided to classify Jesse as an Australian Multi-Class Athlete (AMCA).

“Jesse has a vision impairment and a brain injury from birth so for him to actually run is crazy. When he was born they told me he may not walk or talk and now he is going to nationals for cross country,” she said.

At zone, Jesse raced against other AMCAs in his age division and finished second, seeing him progress to state at Eastern Creek, Sydney.

After two disqualifications and a withdrawal in Jesse’s age group, he was moved into third place at state and got the news he would be heading to Hobart for nationals.

“He is absolutely ecstatic, Jesse trains so hard. He has been training with his swimming coach Elita, he runs everyday at home around our motorbike track and the school has a training program in place where every day he runs around the BMX track,” Kelly said.

Jesse’s love for sport shines through in everything he does, annually competing in athletics, cross country, tennis, cricket, soccer, swimming, gymnastics and everything in between.

Kelly said his training ethic and sheer determination was inspiring.

“He trains so hard, he wears himself out but he loves it,” she said.

Coach, Elita Ayre, said Jesse was a clear go-getting who overcomes every obstacle she throws his way; in the pool and on the track.

“I encourage Jesse and push him to go that little bit further because I know he can achieve anything. He stands out from the crowd because of his high energy and love for sport.

“He just never stops trying,” she said.

Jesse will arrive in Hobart on August 11 to participate in the opening ceremony.

On Saturday he will compete in his individual heat and on Sunday, he and his fellow national competitors will head to Port Arthur for an excursion.

On Monday, the relays will be held before the official closing ceremony.