Young runner dreaming big

INSPIRED by Jessica Hull’s historic success at the Paris Olympics, St Brigid’s Primary School Ballan student Anni has big dreams for her athletic future.

The year 5 student was in Yarra Glen this week as part of the School Sports Victoria team Vic 10 to 12 years cross country team.

Throughout the week, Anni has taken part in activities including an opening ceremony, races, excursions, and a team relay, and before the event she said she was going to “run hard.”

“I don’t really mind if I don’t get in the top three because I’m just glad that I actually made it there,” she said.

Next week, Anni will head to Tasmania to compete as part of the Athletics Victoria Victorian cross country under 12 team.

Although it was Anni’s mum Dannielle who convinced her to start running, Anni said she now has a passion for the sport.

“In under nines I won my first trophy without a trainer and then my friend, she had her trainer so my mum asked if I could go train with him,” she said.

“I persevere and keep running because I put a lot of hard work into actually getting there.”

School Principal Jayne Bosworth said the community is thrilled with Anni’s achievements.

“We are beyond proud of Annie,” she said.

“Anni is a hard worker, she is dedicated, she has the most positive mindset and she’s also very humble.”

Anni dreams of competing with the best of the best one day like Hull, who she met at the Stawell Gift.

“I want to go the Olympics,” she said.

Anni thanked the St Brigid’s Primary School Ballan community, her family, coach Rod, family friend Pete Parks, and William Stown from Little Athletics for their support.