Strong winds and torrential rain ensured it was a tough slog for the four Wellington athletes who travelled to Tasmania for the national cross country championships at the weekend.
Despite the wet and wild conditions at Symmons Plains Raceway, near Launceston, the local athletes had a successful weekend, achieving positive outcomes in the team events along with individual success.
There was an outstanding performance by Oscar Woodhouse, who secured his first ever national individual medal with a second placing in the under 14 boys’ three kilometres with a time of 11:16 minutes. In addition to Oscar’s individual success, he also claimed a silver medal for Victoria in the teams event.
In the under 20 women’s 6km, Zali Metcalfe finished 12th (26:21min) in her national cross country debut, and Ada Hill recorded her best national championship placing, 31st (28:09min).
On his national cross country debut, Rhylee Stewart came 31st in the under 17 boys’ 4km with a time of 23:23min.
On the second day of competition, Woodhouse joined Gippsland Track Club teammates Sidney Box, Yuki Braybrook and Indiana O’Brien in finishing ninth in an under 14 42km mixed relay contested in tough conditions.
Rhylee Stewart came 31st in the under 17 boys’ 4km.
Ada Hill placed 31st in the under 20 women’s 6km.
Zali Metcalfe finished 12th in the under 20 women’s 6km. Photos: Contributed
