Q:How’s the Aussie domestic season going for you so far?
A: Its been great so far. The athletics season commenced with The Hunter Track Classic on the 18th of January. I placed 5th in the Open Women’s 1500m, with a World Junior qualifying time of 4:19.55. At the NSW Junior & Youth Championships at SOPAC, 7-9th February I won both the U20 800m and 1500m, with another World Junior Qualifier in the 1500m of 4:20.31.
My most recent race was The Perth Track Classic where I competed against an internationally competitive field, finishing 8th in a time of 4:15.23, another World Junior Qualifier. My times are steadily coming down and I’m really excited about the next couple of months! My goal is to beat my personal best time in the 1500 metres of 4:13.62 and secure my place for the IAAF World Junior Championships in Eugene, USA July 2014.
Q:Reflecting on last year, what were your greatest highs and lows with running?
A: Last season I had many highs and lows. I didn’t have a strong winter base behind me as I was injured in 2012 with a stress fracture. Therefore I solely concentrated on the 800 metres, winning my first Open State Championships and placed 3rd at The Australian Open Championships in a time of 2:05.27.
The highlight would be my trip to Mount Laguna and Philadelphia, USA in April 2013. I trained at altitude with Zoe Buckman and Susan Kuijken for a few weeks. I then raced in Philadelphia for the Penn Relays in the Women’s 4x800m, where we broke the All-Time Australian Record. I clocked an individual personal best of 2:03.7.
The biggest low of 2013 was trying to juggle my running and academics as I was completing my Year 12 Higher School Certificate (HSC). I also fell ill with Glandular Fever and had to take time off school and running. Finishing my HSC in November 2013 was the biggest relief as I could then finally concentrate on my athletics. I remember finishing my last HSC exam, with most students excited about going to schoolies to party. I was just excited to finally start running again!
Q:Have you any desire to run and study in the US college system?
A: Yes I am interested in studying in the US as I believe an athletics environment at college where you live and train with other elite athletes would be very beneficial. However I’m only interested in attending a college that has a high standard academically as well as athletically. Locally, I have been accepted to study a double degree at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), a Bachelor of Arts in Communication (Journalism) and Bachelor of Laws.
Q: Can you talk us through one of your favourite track sessions?
A: I enjoy most track sessions, but my favourite would be 20x 200m on a 1:20min cycle. It’s a great session for 800/1500 metre pace work and its great getting pushed along with the older boys in my training group.
Q:Favourite show on TV at the moment?
A: Training, study and travel leaves me little spare time to watch television, but on rare occasions I enjoy light hearted comedy shows.
