Road to Rio: Alex Rowe halts medical studies to pursue Olympic dream

Australian middle-distance runner Alex Rowe has decided to take a year off his medical studies to pursue his dream of competing at the Rio Olympics.

Alex Rowe is one of Australia's leading middle-distance runners Source: Getty Images

Alex Rowe, 23, isn't your typical student.

Four years into medical school, he's taking a gap year - not to travel, but to try and win a medal at this year's Olympics.

"If I had have studied this year, I might look back as an old man and think 'what if' or 'if only' so I guess I don't want to leave anything to chance," he said.

He withdrew from last year's IAAF World Championships in Beijing, citing a lack of form.

The rigours of full-time study and keeping up with an elite athlete's training schedule had taken its toll.

But this year, with the spotlight on the track, he's hoping to take the next step.

"I am giving myself the best opportunity to make the team even if I don't I won't have any regrets at all because I know I will have put everything into it," he said.

Rowe with his partner Grace Brown (SBS) Source: SBS

His partner, Grace Brown, has no doubts Rowe is going to Rio.

"Yeah I've actually already booked my ticket, that's my confidence," she said.

"If he doesn't make the team we'll have a holiday."

Rowe burst onto the scene in 2014 by equalling a 46-year-old Australian 800m record at the Diamond League meet in Monte Carlo, with a time of one minute, 44:40 seconds.

Coach Justin Rinaldi said they're already looking beyond selection for Rio.

"The goal has always been to make the final, not just make the team and we'll always focus on making that final not just the team," Rinaldi said

"I think he can run under 1.44 and if he does that he'll be in the final."

However, Rowe is yet to match the qualifying time running in competition this year.

Rowe (right) and coach Justin Rinaldi (SBS) Source: SBS

To be considered for Rio, he must join Jeff Riseley, Luke Matthews and Josh Ralph in posting a time of one minute 46 seconds, or better, in an Olympic qualifying event.

Next month's Australian Athletics Championships could be make or break for Rowe's Olympic dreams.

"I can't remember how many times I've run under 1.46 but I guess maybe a dozen times," Rowe said.

"I know if I can get everything together and execute the right race that will come."

Olympic gold medalist Steve Hooker is on Rowe's coaching team, and is confident his athlete is headed for Rio.

"Alex is going to have a massively successful life in everything else he's doing. So make the most of that experience because you get to carry it with you for the rest of your life," Hooker said.