Teen runner’s triumphant return after she broke her back
There are a few lucky teens who don’t suffer any injuries while playing the sport they love — unfortunately Maroubra runner Sophie Ferenczi isn’t one of them.
There are a few lucky teens who don’t suffer any injuries while playing the sport they love.
Unfortunately Maroubra runner Sophie Ferenczi isn’t one of them.
The 14-year-old, a member of Randwick Botany Little Athletics, fractured her sacrum bone in her lower back in the middle of last year and at first wasn’t able to walk properly, let alone run. After a six-month break, the middle distance track and cross country athlete returned to running in November.
“This was a major set back, and I wondered whether I’d be able to run or swim fast again. I worked really hard with my doctor and physios to get my strength and fitness back,” Sophie said.
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Sophie competed at the NSW Little Athletics State Championships at Sydney Olympic Park on March 16, winning gold in the 3000m in the 15s age group.
She also won gold in the same event in regionals and bronze in the 1500m and 800m.
Sophie is the Southern Courier’s latest nominee for Junior Sports Star Individual at the Local Sports Stars Awards.
“It (the state win) was extra special this year after I missed out on the whole cross country season because I injured myself pretty badly,” Sophie said.
“It was so enjoyable to win, that was my goal just to get back to running.”
Sophie has low bone density and her liver doesn’t absorb enough calcium.
“It’s gotten a lot better since I’ve changed my diet. I’ve had to quadruple my calcium intake.”
Sophie, who attends Brigidine College in Randwick, is clearly a multi-talented athlete. She also swims for Randwick City Swim Club, making state level for the 200m butterfly, and is a member of Bronte Surf Life Saving Club, winning silver in the 2km beach run and bronze in the 2km ocean swim at nationals.
“I can’t really choose a favourite sport, I love them all.”
Sophie said she was inspired by Olympic hurdler Sally Pearson for the way she fought back from injury, but also her uncle, world champion bodyboarder Stephen Mackenzie and aunty Lynnette Mackenzie, a top surfer, and her grandfather John who often featured in the top 10 in the City to Surf.
There are four Local Sports Stars categories — Junior Sports Star Individual, open to athletes aged 18 and under who have competed at state level or above; the Inspiration Award (Individual) for 18 and under athletes who show courage and dedication to excel; Service to Sport, for coaches, club members or volunteers and Team of Excellence, for teams aged 18 and under.
Nominate someone now at localsportsstars.com.au/newslocal
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