Cross country ­and steeplechase champion Nikita Moore was was born to run

BRISBANE State High School student Nikita Moore was born to run. The reigning Australian under-18 cross country ­winner and 2017 steeplechase track Australian champion comes from running stock, so it is little ­surprise she can scamper along.

Kenmore Hills resident Nikita Moore of Brisbane State High School.

BRISBANE State High School student Nikita Moore was born to run.

The reigning Australian under-18 cross country ­winner and 2017 steeplechase track Australian champion comes from running stock, so it is little ­surprise she can scamper along.

“Both my parents came from a running background,’’ Moore said.

“My mum more than my dad, but he still had a bit to do with the sport.

“My mum attended the 2000 Sydney Olympics in which she competed for South Africa in the tri­athlon.

“My dad had more of a sprinting background and was the Queensland 400m champion in Year 12.’’

Nikita Moore of Brisbane State High School.

With running coming naturally to her, it was perfect for Moore that her formative days at primary school were spent at Brookfield.

“Brookfield State School has a really strong distance running program, having won Queensland All Schools Cross Country forthe last six years,’’ the Kenmore Hills resident said.

“This year we had four past Brookfield students in the top 10 at nationals as well as two present students ­racing.’’

Nikita Moore, far right, with her sister Keira Moore, past BSHS student Katrina Robinson and Emma Hossack. Picture: Renae Droop

After leaving Brookfield State School, Brisbane State High School was a logical next step given the school’s excellence insport.

“I originally wasn’t going to go to Brisbane State High School but was attracted to the strong cross country team and thefact that so many students are high achievers in their chosen fields,’’ Moore said.

Nikita Moore running for The Gap Little Athletics.

Moore said she was inspired about pushing for further athletic excellence after watching the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.

“I did attend the Commonwealth Games and it was such a good experience to not only see the massive, competitive environmentbut to see how much fun all the athletes were having ­getting to race in front of the home crowd, Moore recalled.

“It has definitely inspired me to work harder to hopefully one day achieve something similar.’’

The Brisbane State High School student also aspires to attend an American college after Year 12.