The girls qualified after both taking away silver medals from the State CHS (Combined High Schools) competition in July. They travelled up to the Sunshine Coast to represent their school and State in the four day event held at the Maleny Golf Club.

On Friday, August 24, the girls had the chance to walk the course, before competing in their individual events on Saturday, August 25.

Sarah blasted her competition in the four kilometre run under 16s division coming first with a time of 14 minutes 26 seconds; her nearest competitor finishing in 14.47, a result that won her first place in the country. “I was surprised,” Sarah said. “I did’t think I go that well.”

Earlier in the year, Sarah had placed first in a three kilometre on track run but wasn’t so sure about her ability when it comes to cross country. “I didn’t think I was good at hills,” she said.

Sarah’s result landed her in a State relay event held on Monday, August 27, where she ran half the distance, her team taking first place. Her time result also contributed to an overall team gold medal.

Courtney took part in the three kilometre under 16s para division, where she crossed the finished line second with a time of 16.32, landing her in fourth place. Her time saw her compete in a State relay team which finished first, with her time helping her team finish second overall. 

When thinking about future plans with cross country, Courtney said she just wants to see where it takes her, but she is in no way slowing down.

Now that cross country is out of the way, the girls are getting ready to compete in Sydney at the NSW CHS Secondary Athletics Championships which run from Wednesday, September 5 to Friday, September 7.  

There Courtney will be taking on a range of events, the 100 metre, 200m, 800m, shot, javelin, discus and long jump; while Sarah will be competing in the 800m, 1500m and the three kilometre.