By JARROD POTTER
PURE passion and a love for running have earned Berwick runner Amy Tyrrell a trip to the national stage.
Tyrrell, 11, from Beaconsfield Primary School, will represent School Sport Victoria in the Team Vic 12-Years-and-Under Boys and Girls track and field team after an exceptional state championship performance last month.
She earned her first spot on the team with a second-place leap in the 11-year Girl’s long jump claiming silver off her 4.65m best.
Setting her best time in the 200m preliminaries at 28.2, Tyrrell managed to out-sprint the rest of the field to take the gold medal in 28.72 – winning a state championship and confirming her place in the state team heading to Tasmania this week.
“I had my long jump first and I came second so I knew that I would hopefully be going to nationals,” she said.
“Then I had my 200 metre run and came first and I qualified third so I was shocked when I finished on the line and was told I won.”
Her love for athletics began a few years ago as her father Chris helped cultivate her budding passion for running.
“My dad was quite good at athletics when he was younger… I did a school comp and came first so I wanted to start athletics,” Tyrrell said
“I love the jumping events and running as well… they’re my favourites.
“I just love getting out there, meeting new friends, competing, having a laugh, running and jumping.”
Her hopes for Tasmania are to make the finals of the 200m and if she could win a medal it would be beyond her wildest beliefs.
“I’d probably like to go well in my 200 metre, try to get to the final… that’s a big goal for me,” Tyrrell said.
“In the long jump I just want to nail my jump and get a jump on the board.
“I’m also competing in the medley relay – running the 200 metre – to win one (a medal) would be amazing.
She wanted to thank her parents – Chris and Andrea – teacher Mr J and her family and friends for their support of her athletics.
The School Sport Australia Track and Field Championships will be held in Penguin, Tasmania from the 27 November to 2 December.
