Sophie Doyle was very excited when her team of five Sunshine Coast athletes won gold at the State Cross Country Championships.

Sophie had finished 3rd at the Sunshine Coast Regional Cross Country which qualified her to compete at the State Championships held in Hervey Bay. The race was fast with two girls establishing an early lead on the field but Sophie ran with the chasing pack which stretched out over the third kilometre. Sophie finished strongly placing 10th in the State which was a fantastic result.

All five members of the Sunshine Coast relay team finished in the top 18 in the individual race so hopes were high for a placing in the relay. Sophie was the second runner in the team and received the baton in second place.  She ran superbly moving her team into the lead and they held this lead right to the finish line winning the gold medal by 7 seconds.

Sophie is now looking forward to the Regional Athletics Carnival coming up shortly. She trains hard and enjoys competing against other athletes – many of whom she has become friends with.

Wendy Stott, Primary Sport Teacher