THE dream of competing at the 2032 Brisbane Olympics edged closer to reality for Moree junior athlete Kate McDonald when she finished third in the 1500m girls 12-13 years’ final at the NSWPSSA Primary Athletics Championships at Olympic Park’s Sydney Athletic Centre on Wednesday.
Kate ran a personal best (4:46.90) when collecting bronze behind Charlestown runner Charlotte James (4:43.76) and Kyah Ryals from Curl Curl (4:45.80).
Kate will today back up in the 800m 12-13 years’ final after finishing second in her heat yesterday to current State champion, Ella Plummer.
Coach Ron Clissold said Kate’s hopes of representing Australia were a step closer when she smashed her personal best time.
“I knew Kate could run a PB but to take 20 seconds off, is a big bust,” Clissold said.
“She still has a lot of improving to do, even for the national titles, but we’ve got a long dream.
“Since the State titles, Kate’s improved out of sight because she knows she can mix it with the big girls now.
“She ran the perfect race and the kids that beat her, were just too big and too strong.
“Kate is so much smaller than the other girl (winner Charlotte James) and only just came up to her shoulders.”
Fellow runners Marley Legg and Bella Boland also competed at Olympic Park.
Marley finished midfield in the 1500m girls 8-9-10 years’ final and Bella was unplaced in her heat of the 8-years’ 100m.
“Marley was back in the pack in her heat, but hasn’t been running well since the State cross-county championships,” Clissold said.
“She’s been sick with influenza and just when she gets going, something else happens.
“Bella was the youngest in her age group, and they were just too big and too strong for her.
“She was giving some of them 12 months, and that’s a lot when you’re only eight years old.
“She did well, and can only learn from this sort of experience,” Clissold said.
Kate starts today in the 800m girls 12-13 years’ final after finishing second in yesterday’s heat.
There were five heats, with the winner of each heat and the four fastest times qualifying for the final.
Kate finished second to current State champion Ella Plummer, who ran 2:21.24.
Kate clocked 2:22.43, considerably faster than the other four heat winners.
Clissold said Kate has the ability to match it with the best.
“Kate ran the second-fastest time overall, even though she ran second in her heat,” Clissold said.
“That effort puts her in good stead to run a place in the final as well.”
The 800m girls 12-13 years’ final will be live-streamed today from around 9am at https://nswschoolsport.brightcovegallery.com/
Words: Bill Poulos
Image: Supplied
