Young stars to take on best

GEELONG primary school students Hugh Haebich and Sarah Dickson will make their national debuts when they compete at this month’s School Sport Australia Cross-Country Championships.

The championships, from Friday to Monday in Hobart, will feature Australia’s best up-and-coming youngsters.

Hugh, 9, and Sarah, 10, train under former competitive runner Darren Riviere.

Riviere said that Hugh and Sarah performed admirably at last month’s Primary School State Championships, both executing a fast finish to confirm their spot on the state team.

Riviere said that Hugh and Sarah would benefit from having a familiar face on the Victorian squad.

“At that age, it’s pretty daunting ... It’s great knowing people when you go over,” Riviere said.

Their Geelong-based training squad consists of about 25 members, 10 of which competed at the state championships.

Geelong is renowned for impressive junior crosscountry results.

Riviere said Geelong’s strong cross-country culture is credited to its rich running history.

Prime running locations, alongside the legacies of Geelong-based legends such as John Landy, have fuelled the culture, he said. “It’s tradition,” Riviere said. Geelong, home of the first Little Athletics club in Australia, now boasts nine such clubs.

Hugh competes for Chilwell Little Athletics Club, while Sarah runs at the Manifold club.

Riviere said athlete enjoyment was the top priority for his squad, who are all under 14.

“It’s all about doing their best and not worrying about anyone else,” he said.

“And if they enjoy it, they tend to improve. And as you improve, you enjoy it more.”