The Australian Cross Championships were held at Mount Stromlo in Canberra. We were very proud to have three local runners who train regularly at Willandra representing NSW.
The weather conditions were reasonably good considering it is winter. Our first and youngest representative to compete was Annie Dzuibinski in the 10 years girls 2k.
As the 42 youngsters from all over Australia made their way around the course Annie was in a good position with the leading runners. Her speed, talent and determination resulted in a thrilling third place, with an excellent time of 7.15, the same time as second place.!!
Apart from receiving the individual Bronze Medal, Annie also was awarded a Gold Medal with three other NSW girls for winning the Team event. To top off her weekend , the NSW girls competed in the 5 x 1k Relay run on Monday morning and per formed very well to win the relay and were awarded another Gold medal each. A weekend of running and 3 Medals, an outstanding effort.
CONGRATULATIONS Annie on a very enjoyable all round experience at your first Australian Championship, it was great also that your parents, brother and grandparents could share in your success.
Our second representative, Joel Harlor was in the 15yrs 4k event which also was combined with the 14yrs boys. These two categories made a total of 139 competitors which unfortunately resulted in some runners being knocked over just after the start as all tried to funnel into the rather narrow course.
Sadly Joel was a victim of this overcrowded start, in the process received a spike on his knee and a nasty graze. However, Joel proudly chose with little adrenaline left, to continue the event through to the finish.
This immediately reminded me of our June quote of the month. ‘Winners are not people who never fail (or fall) but people who never give up when the going is tough.
Our third representative 17yrs. Bridget Fairs was also in a combined event with the 16yrs girls making a total of 117 athletes. Bridget unfortunately has had an interrupted lead up into these Championships with winter ills etc. Like Joel she too displayed great strength and courage by completing the event with no thought of giving up when the going was tough.
Thank you, Joel and Bridget, we are proud of you. Please believe you are winners, simply for not giving up when the going was tough.
Week 22 at Willandra weatherwise was ideal. Thanks to the 27 participants who enjoyed their events.
Unfortunately the stopwatch decided not to display the times. Our apologies for this technology problem. Hopefully some managed to time themselves.
One such athlete was Cristine Suffolk who is also to be CONGRATULATED as she managed to set a new best time for her age category in the 6k distance for 50 – 54yrs. This could also be a new 6k record for NSW Masters. Well Done, Crissy.
Week 23 next Saturday 2nd September. New month, so afternoon tea will be enjoyed. Please bring a plate if you can stay after your event. Visitors welcome as we enter the last month of weekly activities at Willandra for 2023.
Quote for the Month of August:
It takes nothing to join the crowd. It takes everything to stand alone !!
Hans F Hansen.
Results
Apologies for the absence of times. Unfortunately the stopwatch suffered from a technical problem.
1k Distance
| Name | Points |
| Eleanor Parnell | 20 |
| Zali Wilson | 19 |
| Lulu Wilson | 18 |
| Andrew Tallon | 17 |
| Amy Tallon | 16 |
| Timothy Tallon | 10 |
2k Distance
| Name | Points |
| Joshua Tallon | 20 |
| Francis Peabody | 19 |
| Rebecca Clarke | 18 |
| Jayden Clarke | 17 |
| Rachael Clarke | 16 |
| Henry Tait | 15 |
| Dan Tait | 14 |
| Violet Tait | / |
| Joel Grimston | 13 |
| Annalies Corse | 12 |
| Bronwyn Coulston | 11 |
| Simeon Tallon | 10 |
2k & 4k Walk
| Name | Points |
| Heidi Murray | 10 |
| James Murray | 10 |
| Alice Parnell | 9 |
| Kayleen Lawrence ( 4k) | 10 |
4k Distance
| Name | Points |
| Andrew Lawrence | 20 |
| Dan Peabody | 19 |
| Scout Peabody | / |
| John Tallon | 18 |
| Razz Wilkins | 17 |
| Frank Stevens | 16 |
| Paul Jennings | 15 |
6k Distance
| Name | Points |
| Cristine Suffol (27:10 Record) | 20 |