8 September 2023

Determination and hard work have paid off for a cross-country runner from St Francis de Sales Catholic Primary School, Lynbrook.

Running at School Sport Australia’s Cross-Country Championships in Canberra, 11-year-old Andi Mole took her success from state level to finish second nationally.

‘My goal for this year was going to be to at least come second at state level and at least top 5 at national level’, said Andi. ‘I increased my training to five kilometres on a Saturday, and three kilometres on Monday, Wednesday and sometimes Thursday. I also changed the surface I was training on, from concrete to muddy grass, to better prepare me for the competition course.’ The hard work paid off and Andi’s time of 10.34 minutes for the three-kilometre competition run was only three seconds behind the winner’s time.

‘I’m so thankful for my family, especially Mum and Dad, for all their support during training and taking me to the events’, said Andi, ‘as well as my Nanna and Pa, who are always there at every event’. Andi competes with the school at district and divisional levels, and then competes individually in other events.

After this year’s success, what is Andi hoping for in 2024? ‘To come first, of course.’