Young runner adds another gold to cabinet

Toowoomba Grammar School cross country runner wins Queensland championship.

GOLDEN MOMENT: Toowoomba Grammar School student Charlie Randall defended his under-12 cross-country title at the Queensland championships. He also captained the Darling Downs relay team to third place at the championships. Picture: Kevin Farmer

RUNNING: Right now the only thing slowing down Charlie Randall is the medals around his neck.

Randall won the under-12 Queensland Cross Country Championship, defending his title and booking his place at the National Cross Country Championships.

The Toowoomba Grammar School student, who is also the current U12 national champion, beat his nearest rival by one second.

"Cross country is usually pretty even - it just comes down to who wants it the most,” Randall said.

"I know it doesn't sound very good but I try to break my opponents - which can be really hard.

"It's a mental thing, you have to try and forget about the physical side and just push through the mental pain.”

Defending his Queensland title was a relief for Randall after a disappointing finish by Randall's standards at the Queensland All School titles.

"I finished 10th at All Schools,” Randall said.

"I don't normally get nervous but I was that race.

"It was good to win at the state championships.

"I was excited before them because I got to see a lot of familiar faces and it was a chance to improve.

"Now I'll focus on nationals - I just want to do as best as I can.”

Randall also captained the Darling Downs relay team to third place at the state championships.

Originally published as Young runner adds another gold to cabinet