Tim's family migrated to New Zealand as refugees five years ago. They were originally from Burundi but Tim was born in Tanzania.
Twagilayesu Isaya, Tim's father, says the chance to compete at the nationals is a good opportunity for Tim, who is fundraising for the trip. He says moving to New Zealand has given him great expectations for the future of his children.
"It is part of his dream to do sporting and be a champion," he says. "I have a lot of confidence in him."
Although Tim is competing at nationals in the high jump, he narrowly missed competing in two events. At the regionals, he missed first place in the triple jump by only 6cm.
Jeff Haigh, Avondale teacher in charge of athletics, says Tim is a very promising athlete, but still very inexperienced at this stage.
"He will be facing a lot of competitors older than he is and who have already competed before," says Mr Haigh.
But the school hopes Tim will do well.
"He's got a very natural spring," says Mr Haigh. "When he does the triple jump, it seems like he is floating on air."
Tim's community is also aware it could have a future champion in its midst. Neil Henderson, Waitakere Ranges Local Board member, says they are trying to raise awareness about the ethnic communities in Glen Eden and open pathways for them, and Tim is among those.
"We had this idea of getting a bit of energy going to support Timotheo," he says. Mr Henderson wrote about Tim's fundraising in the Glen Eden Guardian, a local newspaper and talked to people around the neighbourhood to drum up support to help pay for Tim's fare and stay in Wellington.
"We've already got quite a bit of what we need to send him there," says Mr Henderson.
But Tim isn't expecting it all to happen for him. In between school and training, he has been washing cars and doing baking sales to raise funds. His former teacher at Glen Eden Intermediate, Mr Jason Benoit, is also helping him. As well as his athletics ability, Mr Haigh says Tim has the discipline and mental capability to do well in other areas. He already has a career path in mind, as a builder.
"I'd like to think he can go far in athletics. But he is also interested in soccer, and soccer is much more attractive to the boys because they can see a pathway for them," he says.
In the meantime, Mr Haigh says Avondale College is supporting Tim by making sure he has the right gear and training.
"He's a good kid. He's very cheerful and has polite manners. As I said, he's very promising. I'm sure he can achieve whatever he puts his mind to," says Mr Haigh.
If you want to help Tim, contact Neil Henderson at 818 0037 or email him at neil.henderson@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
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