General News
25 July, 2025
Dimboola's rising cross country star
Dimboola Primary School's Scarlett Williams has her eye on the national cross country competition as she makes her way to Melbourne this week to qualify.
With a strong passion for running, Scarlett will compete in the state championships of the School Sport Victoria cross country competition later this week.
"I don't like gymnastics or anything like that," she said.
"Running is what I love."
Scarlett competed in the local competition in Dimboola in March, then in Kaniva during the middle of last term, before making her way to Warrnambool in June where she placed sixth out of 55.
She began competing in cross country during Year two and has liked it ever since.
"I like the long distance," she said.
"I am not a sprinter but I am working on it."
Last year, Scarlett made it to Melbourne where she placed 56 out of 91.
To qualify for the national championship, Scarlett said that you have to place in the top six or the top 10.
"In case someone drops out, they will bring the next person in to compete," she said.
Describing herself as a competitive person, Scarlett does Parkrun in Horsham on Saturday mornings, training herself to become better at a 5km run.
Her current personal best is 22:55.
The cross country course is 2km where she has a personal best of 8:29.
Her pre-competition ritual is making sure her body is stretched out to prevent any injury.
Scarlett will make her way to Melbourne later this week to compete on July 24 which is also her 10th birthday.
Planning on celebrating with friends she has made through cross country, Scarlett is ready to celebrate with cupcakes at the caravan park.
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