Centennial Park cross country group Up and Running helps three youngsters medal at nationals

TAKE a look at these young faces — one day they could be representing Australia on the world stage.

George Verco (left), Sophie Ferenczi, Bailey Habler are all cross country runners and have recently had some success.

TAKE a look at these young faces — one day they could be representing Australia on the world stage.

George Verco, Sophie Ferenczi and Bailey Habler from Centennial Park-based cross country team Up and Running have returned from the national championships with medals.

Held in Canberra last month, the nationals saw George, of North Bondi, win bronze in the boys 10-year relay.

Maroubra resident Sophie won silver in the girls 12-year relay and Bailey, of Malabar, took home gold in the boys 12-year relay and for winning the state title.

The team trains at Centennial Park three times a week under the tutelage of Jordan Williams.

As captain of the NSW 12-year team, Bailey said he was excited about helping his state win gold. “I wasn’t expecting such a great result but I was so happy,” Bailey said.

The youngsters all had success at the cross country national championships.

“Running can be hard and there’s a lot of training ... but once you’re up and running it’s exciting and there’s nothing more that you can do but race.”

Bailey said his coach worked hard to ensure every runner was ready to compete. “Jordan motivates us to go hard, there’s no slacking off,” he said.

Mr Williams, who was a decorated junior athlete and former Junior Sports Star nominee, said he was enjoying teaching the next generation of runners.

“I wanted to take what I’d learned during my own time competing, and help kids who were interested in achieving the same things,” Jordan said.

“Basically I’m showing them everything I used to do, but saying everyone is different and I’m here to help. Even though they’re only young kids they’re learning a lot and loving it, too.”

Training kids six days a week at Centennial Park, Mr Williams credits his motto “we make running fun” as the secret behind his young athletes’ success.

“A lot of the sessions are hard but I make them fun at the same time by putting in relays and mixing it up for them ... even though they’re sore afterwards the kids are always smiling.”

For more information visit upandrunning.sydney.