Sprinter Ariana Jamieson on track after state championship success
THE flow of her running style has been likened to that of Australian Olympic hero Cathy Freeman, and Hillsdale athlete Ariana Jamieson is hoping to follow in her footsteps.
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THE flow of her running style has been likened to that of Australian Olympic hero Cathy Freeman, and Hillsdale athlete Ariana Jamieson is hoping to follow in her footsteps.
After steadily rising through the ranks at state level over the past four years, Ariana, 12, won silver in the 100m sprint at the NSW Little Athletics championships earlier this month with a PB of 12.86, representing the Randwick Botany Little A’s club.
Ariana is Southern Courier’s first nominee in the Junior Sports Star — Individual category for the 2017 Local Sports Stars awards.
“The 200m is my best event and I usually come 4th in the 100m, so I was really happy with running my best time to get silver,” Ariana said.
Despite running a PB of 26.42 in the 200m heats, stomach cramps kept Ariana out of the finals at the championships — but she’s already looking ahead.
“I always say to myself I will beat someone who beat me last time, so that’s how I keep motivated and try to stay positive,” she said.
“Little A’s has wrapped up for the season now but I’m focusing on the sports carnival and PSSA events at my school, South Sydney High.
“I just love running because I get to make new friends every time I compete in an event.”
Ariana also competes in long jump and high jump and plays OzTag with the South East club.
Mum Margie Summers was a 400m sprint champ growing up on New Zealand’s south island, and said athletics was in her daughter’s blood.
“It amazes me every time I watch Ariana, she’s beautiful to watch and I get a lot of comments on her running style,” Ms Summers said.
“She’s very good at setting goals for herself and is so focused, always giving herself something to strive for.”
Other categories include Junior Sports Star Team, Young Sporting Spirit Individual and Team, and Service to Sport.
Nominate at localsportsstars.com.au
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