By JARROD POTTER
GOING out with a bang, Sam Prime finished her secondary schools athletics journey the same way she’s always run it – fast and in first.
The 17-year-old long-distance running gun from Berwick Secondary College secure three state titles in her final outing as a secondary school athlete at the School Sport Victoria Secondary Track and Field Championships.
The event was held last week at Albert Park’s Lakeside Stadium and Prime was at the peak of her performance when it counted most – claiming the state record for her pet event, the three-kilometre run, and set the new record at 9.46 minutes.
“It’s always good to end on a high – so I know it was going to be tough in the three kilometre,” Prime said.
“The girl I was versing against (Amelia Mazza-Downie), she’s a phenomenal runner in her age group, so I knew it was going to be a tough race – and it was always in the back of my mind that it would be nice to win.”
Pushed every step of the way by Mazza-Downie heading into the last lap, Prime kicked at the bell to secure her prized victory of the carnival.
“She was tough all the way to the last lap, then I kicked at the bell lap and she followed and I tried to pick it up and step another gear,” Prime said.
“Took out the win so it was a good way to start off the day.
“Also won the 800m and the 1500m, but the three kilometre stands out as that was the closest.
“The 800 and 1500, there was a bit of a gap between me and second but third was a good competitive race and was more meaningful.”
The win gave Prime the three kilometre state record and she leaves the SSV system with the under-14 girls 1500m record still against her name.
The next challenge for Prime is Zatopek – the all-ages athletics meet that will take her back to Lakeside Stadium later this year.
