World athletics cross country 2023: Amy Bunnage’s unusual pre-race preparation for U20 race

There will be no one more centred, focused or calm than young shop assistant Amy Bunnage on the start line of the world cross country championships thanks to her special pre-race routine.

Amy Bunnage will be racing in Bathurst in the under 20 women’s race.

A good book and a private yoga session are the tools Amy Bunnage will use to stay as calm and focused as she can ahead of the biggest race of her life.

She might also dabble in a bit of painting as well.

The rising star of Australian middle distance racing has an unusual pre-race routine she finds settling and she’ll be sticking with it at the world cross country titles at Bathurst on Saturday.

“Mum is into yoga and pilates and she’s pretty religious about going to them. I got into it during Covid and now go to the classes as well,” said the 17-year-old from Keysborough in south east Melbourne.

“I have found it so helpful and it’s helped my running immensely. I am definitely a lot stronger through the core and my glutes from the pilates.

Amy Bunnage is part of a 28-strong Australian team.

“Yoga, I find it just really calming. It is something other than running to do. I just switch off and it really helps me de-stress.

“I used to get really nervous. I am a lot better now. I think I just became more confident in myself.

“But I also like to read a book on the way to races. It’s a way for me not to think about the race. It has to be a real book, not on my phone.’’

And in another departure from most pre-race preparations, Bunnage said while she knows little about her rivals there’s no temptation to go for a deep dive into their background on the internet as other might.

“I will just do my own race,” she said.

“I’m not going watch them on YouTube. I’m just going to concentrate on myself.’’

Amy at 10 with brother Sam, then 12.

Bunnage, left, after competing in a school triathlon.

Bunnage works part time at an shoe shop and will be moving to the US later this year to attend Stanford University.

Coached by Tim O’Shaughnessy, Bunnage is racing the under 20 women’s race in Bathurst over 6km and is the Under 18 Australian 3000m record holder.

AUSTRALIAN TEAM FOR 2023 WORLD CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS

Men’s 10km – Jack Rayner, Matthew Ramsden, Brett Robinson, Rorey Hunter, Andy Buchanan, Ky Robinson.

Women’s 10km – Rose Davies, Leanne Pompeani, Caitlin Adams, Isobel Batt-Doyle, Georgia Hansen, Ellie Pashley.

Mixed 2km Relay – Stewart McSweyn, Abbey Caldwell, Oliver Hoare, Jessica Hull.

Under 20 Men’s 8km – Logan Janetzki, Archie Noakes, Jack Coomber, Cael Mulholland, Ciaran Rushton, Bailey Habler.

Under 20 Women’s 6km – Amy Bunnage, Gabrielle Schmidt, Gabrielle Vincent, Aspen Anderson, Claudia Meaker, Fieke Van Der Kamp.

More from AMANDA LULHAM HERE