Hard work and intensive training have seen an up-and-coming 10-year-old athlete cross state borders while representing Yarra Ranges and Victoria in a national comp.
A dedicated young athlete Harlie, has competed and placed in the School Sports Australia Nationals Cross Country event on the Gold Coast, which took place from 7 to 9 September.
Placing 13th in Australia and 2nd place for the team medal while running alongside some of her closest friends from Victoria, Harlie had an amazing time competing.
Harlie’s mother, Karen, said on Wednesday, 10 September, that Harlie is over the moon after all the excitement.
“She had the most amazing week being part of Team Victoria,” she said.
“Harlie has just run the relays this morning with her team, and they took out 2nd place.”
“The nerves were high going into the week, so they are all looking forward to some well-earned rest.”
The young talent also recently qualified for the School Sport Australia track and field Nationals in Canberra in November for the 1500m event.
Harlie, at 10 years old, has dreams of one day being a professional runner and works incredibly hard, training six days a week.
Her training regime includes four days and around 23 kilometres of running, along with three days of swimming that total to around seven kilometres and she gets huge support at home.
“Her dad is the one who takes her to all her training and events. He’s her biggest supporter,” said Karen.
“We use swimming as a great way of cross-training without the impact of running,” she said.
Harlie’s local primary school, Tecoma Primary, got behind her all the way to leading up to her win, raising money for her with an in-school sausage sizzle to help fund her trip north.
Principal Brooke Cross said the school is so proud of Harlie and her incredible achievements at the School Sports Australia Nationals.
“To place 13th in the country at just 10 years old, while also contributing to Victoria’s silver medal team result, is an outstanding effort,” she said.,
“Harlie’s determination, resilience, and commitment to her training make her a wonderful role model for her peers at Tecoma Primary School,” said Ms Cross.
Harlie rang alongside others from all over Victoria, including Annabelle from Cranbourne, Rayani from Box Hill, April from Dandenong, Claire from Ballarat and Lexie from Bendigo.
“We can’t wait to see what she goes on to achieve next,” said Ms Cross.
