COVID-19 restrictions have halted sport, but the Moore sisters still do what they love best – running

COVID-19 restrictions have halted sport and group training, but the Moore sisters still do what they love best – running.

Elite middle distance runner Nikita Moore was supposed to be a globetrotter this year, but like so many other young athletes with aspiration in her eyes and a spring in her step, she was grounded by the COVID-19 crisis.

She was to compete in Sydney, then overseas and also travel to the US to make contact with the College system.

But rather have the virus crisis halt her, Nikita and her three sisters bandied together to make the most of their own ready made training squad.

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Look at the hills and bush trails and parks around the Brookfield and Kenmore areas and the chances are you will see a Moore sibling - or two - striding out.

“Instead of taking a break, all four continued to train hard,’’ said their mother Lizel.

“With many of their training partners living locally as well as having sisters who are at a similar level, the training adjustment has been relatively easy.’’

Nikita Moore, No. 526, in full stride.

Moore, who trains a group of distance runners around the Kenmore-Brookfield district, said her runners – and her daughters – still trained as a family or in pairs at local parks and on bush trails while adhering to the social distance regulations.

Zoe Manning, left, Kiera Moore and Tyla Lumley in the steeplechase at an Australian Athletic Track and Field Championship

“So regular training venues have not changed,’’ Lizel Moore said.

“The main issue now being that when you turn up to the park, you have to avoid the other “couples” training at the same venue,’’ she smiled.

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And Moore said there were actually benefits from the shutdown.

“With no distractions of other sports, more free time, and with less pressure on performing, many of the athletes are running personal bests for their regular training sessions,’’ Moore said.

Lizel Moore, a Sydney 2000 Olympian, said being unable to stand over her training group also had benefits.

Kiera Moore, middle, at last year’s QGSSSA athletics.

“I have stepped back and let them make more of their own decisions.

“We see the whole thing as a great time for them to refresh and really appreciate how much they do enjoy training and racing.

“Nikita is finding that after last year when she had a full season of racing, including the World Cross Country Championships in Denmark, the break from racing has given her the breathing space to get back to enjoying her running.’’

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Nikita Moore is still hoping the 2021 World Cross Country Championships scheduled to be held in Bathurst next March will go ahead.

“Keira will also line up for these trails, but it more focused on track running. For now, all four Moore girls are just happy that they can get out every day and do what they love.’’