Is this our next Aussie track star? Ipswich athlete Jude Thomas leads the pack on his way to smashing a state under-20 record in the Queensland 3km open championships race. Picture: Michael Thomas Sport by Andrew Dawson Premium Content Subscriber only Queensland distance runner Jude Thomas has run almost 13,000km in two years, but his journey toward international middle distance success has only just started. Thomas, 18, is one of an elite list of local athletes aspiring for national and international recognition, most of which will be in action at the state titles starting on Friday. Thomas won't be in Brisbane for the states, rather he will be competing in Sydney at a 5000m event where he is trying to run a world junior qualifying time.