MOREE junior athlete Kate McDonald will head to the Australian All Schools Championships in Brisbane in December after this week collecting bronze and silver at the NSWPSSA Primary Athletics Championships in Sydney.
Kate finished third behind Charlotte James and Kyah Ryals in the 1500m girls 12-13 years’ final on Wednesday and went one better for silver behind Engadine runner Ella Plummer in the 800m girls’ 12-13 years’ final on Thursday.
Coach Ron Clissold has the next month to prepare Kate for a crack at the best from all states and territories at the December 6-7-8 national titles.
“Kate’s mum, Skye, told me yesterday to pack my bags and be ready to go,” Clissold smiled.
“Hopefully, we can get three weeks’ training in, because Kate will need the last week to taper off a bit.
“I’ve got a little plan for her, and now it’s just a matter of whether Kate wants to do it. If she does, she will improve again,” he said.
Kate bettered her 1500m personal best time by more than 20 seconds when third on Wednesday and bettered her 800m PB when second to nationally-rated Ella Plummer on Thursday.
Ella stopped the clock at 2:16.03, with Kate running 2:20.56.
“Ella is a national champion from last year in Kate’s age group, and she was just too big and strong,” Clissold said.
“Kate did everything she could possibly do and ran another personal best, even though she ran second – beating a PB is as good as winning a race.
“Most athletes compete again their PBs until they get right to the top level,” he said.
The Australian All Schools Championships, featuring events for students aged under-14 to under-18, will be held in Brisbane at the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre.
“The top three out of all age groups from every state and territory automatically qualify for the national titles,” Ron said.
“Basically, it means Kate’s age group is down to the last 20-odd runners from across the country.”
Click this link for details on Kate’s third-placing on Wednesday: https://moreeonlinenews.com.au/2024/10/24/morees-kate-mcdonald-claims-1500m-bronze-at-state-championships
Words and Image: Bill Poulos
