Jacob Despard (athletics) is poised for his Commonwealth Games debut in 2022 when he lines up in the 4x100m relay for Australia. Growing up in Hobart, the 100m sprinter won the 2013 Burnie Gift and claimed his first Australian under-20 honours the following year. Seeking a change of scene, Despard moved to Melbourne at the end of 2017, sharing digs with Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games sprinter and fellow Tassie product Jack Hale. Joining Athletics Essendon, Despard began training under coach Rolf Ohman and quickly found dividends, winning the 2018 Stawell Gift off a mark of 4.5m. A breakout 2022 season saw Despard take out the Melbourne Track Classic 100m final in 10.11, a bronze medal at the Oceania Championships, a blue sash at the Stawell Invitational Handicap 120m and a spot in his first ever national final at the Australian championships. In pursuit of all things fast, Despard enjoys motorsports and works as a part-time graphene car coater.