THREE Swan Hill Specialist School students have returned from Canberra with smiles on their faces after representing Victoria in the event.
The multi-class schools event saw Kayla Zielke, 15, Venessa Timms, 16, and Darryn Stevenson, 17, all jump on a plane for the first time to head to the nation’s capital.
The trio expressed how grateful they were for community support, after local business houses and organisations forked out to help them on their travels.
Along with parents and teachers, the three athletes also took to the streets to sell raffle tickets, which also raised a fair bit of money for the runners.
Speaking to The Guardian, Darryn said he enjoyed his time competing and will now look to get better for next year.
“I went well. I finished sixth and I really enjoyed myself,” he said.
“There was a steep hill and it was colder than home, but it didn’t really affect me as I just ran my best.
“I am the sixth fastest in Australia and that makes me want to get better. I want to keep running every day, I had fun, I want to win.”
The competitive spirit of the athletes came through after they qualified through school, regional and state events.
The hard work was paid off with good results all around, and fifth-placed Venessa said she was ecstatic.
“I am pretty proud of myself, I haven’t done something like this before,” she told The Guardian.
“I want to do better next year. I think I will keep cross country up, it isn’t quite my favourite sport, but I enjoy it.
“It means everything to the school for us to do well, the parents as well, and that makes us proud.”
