Nikita Moore goes from one side of the world to the other to be part of an athletic gold rush

Nikita Moore went to the other side of the world and back again before snaring a gold medal at the Australian Athletics Track and Field Championships in Sydney. Her performance was part of a gold rush generated by athletes from Brisbane’s western suburbs.

Nikita Moore went to the other side of the world and back again before snaring a gold medal at the Australian Athletics Track and Field Championships in Sydney.

Moore went straight from competing at the world cross country championships in Denmark to Sydney to win the under 18 3km national title.

Her performance was part of a gold rush generated by athletes from Brisbane’s western suburbs.

Brisbane State High School student Nikita Moore. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)

St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School student Angelina Tignani, The Gap Little Athletic Centre junior Connor Higgins, Brisbane Boys College student Patrick Thygesen, St Peters Lutheran College runner Zoe Manning and The Gap Little Athletics’ junior Abbie French snared top position on the podium.

Jindalee sisters Monique and Marissa Hanlon were among the medals, with Monique, a Centenary Little Athletics junior, a stunning winner in the under 16 200m.

Marissa also enjoyed her moment on the podium. She was part of the 4x100m under 14 relay team which clinched a bronze medal.

Tignani claimed the under 16 javelin title while Duggan, now coached by Eric Brown at QU Athletics, won the 16 years high jump.

Patrick Thygesen, left, with his silver medal.

Tignani’s effort was a continuation of winning form she has carried through state and national competitions for several years.

Zoe Manning after winning . (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

French, won the under 16 long jump and is sweeping all before her as she progresses through the long jump age groups.

St Peters student Manning won the under 18 2000m steeplechase.

Thygesen won the 2000m steeple under 18 and was second in the 3000m under 18 steeplechase.

He is trained by Olympian Lizel Moore, who had a host of runners shine at the nationals, and also by Jayden Russ

Aside from her daughter Nikita, Lizel Moore watched middle distance runner Georgie Gilroy (under 14 1500m) also storm to a silver medal.

Zoe Manning, left, Kiera Moore and Tyla Lumley in the steeplecahse at the Australian Athletic Track and Field Championships in Sydney. IMAGE Lizel Moore.

Nikita’s sister Moore was also third in her event while Charlotte Alexander was third in the 2000m under 17 steeplechase.

Lizel Moore paid tribute to Alexander’s fortitude.

“Charlotte Charlotte was upset after her 3km where she ran one of her slowest times for years even though conditions were perfect,’’ Lizel Moore said.

Somerville House student Charlotte Alexander. IMAGE: Lizel Moore.

“I told her not to be sad but to get mad and come out firing.

“That’s what she did. It’s hard to keep your confidence and self belief up after a bad race. but Charlotte is a girl that loves to compete. That attitude keeps her motivated regardless of set backs.’’

QU Athletic Club Olympian Caitlin Jones was second in the 400m open.

St Peters student Emma Nielsen was third in her 2000m steeplechase.

St Peters student Emma Nielsen was third in her 2000m steeplechase. PIC: Lizel Moore.

St John’s Anglican College student Jamie Van Rensburg was also a proud Queensland representative,

The Forest Lake teenager competed in the under 16 boys hammer throw and accomplished a personal best throw, finishing fifth.

Centenary State High School past student Trae Williams was .01 of a second from bronze in the 100m.