Fairfield Wests’ athletic star Paige hurdling over rivals
PAIGE Merriman is showing phenomenal form in long distance and steeplechase events on the track.
Local Sports Stars
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PAIGE Merriman is showing phenomenal form in long distance and steeplechase events on the track, having recently demolished a 11-year-old record in the 800 metres.
The Fairfield Wests Sports High School student set the new record (2 mts, 27 seconds) during the Liverpool Little Athletics championships and going by her commitment, could be a future Australian and international champion.
Paige, the all schools state champion in the 2000msteeplechase, is our Local Sports Star nominee this week for her eye catching performances.
The 15-year-old has been competing in Little Athletics for 11 years and is highly regarded at the Western Sydney Academy of Sports’ Heartland Motors Lone Star program.
“Paige was accepted into the Lone Star Program based on her outstanding ability in her track discipline,” an academy spokeswoman said.
“Paige’s commitment to her training and development is unwavering.
“One day we are sure to see Paige competing on an international stage.”
Paige is the all schools and junior state champion in the 2000m steeplechase, having qualified for the nationals for past three years.
“I just love middle distance running and steeplechase, which are tactical races,” Paige said.
“I do have to pace myself in the steeplechase.
“I train five days a week, including sessions at Wests Sports High.
“I will be running in the Balmoral Burn (on Sunday, May 27) for third year.
“My main goal in this charity uphill event is to finish in the top three and get a personal best.”
Her progress in steeplechase is amazing because she only took to the taxing event last year.
“My goals this year is to make the NSW cross country team and I compete in events every weekend,” said Paige, who also swims and does gym sessions as a part of her weekly training.
Paige’s sporting hero is unheralded Australian Chloe Esposito who won gold medal in the modern pentathlon at the 2016 Rio Olympics: “She inspires me, I love her attitude and dedication towards her sport.”
■ To nominate someone for one of the four LSS categories, visit localsportsstars.com.au.