Ella, Miette represent state
Talented Horsham youngsters Ella Walsgott and Miette Hopper have returned home after representing Victoria at national level.
Ella, 13, participated in the inaugural Australian Schools Triathlon Festival in Penrith, New South Wales, finishing 29th in the country in the junior female category.
Her mother, Katie Walsgott, said the Victorian team finished fourth overall, with Queensland dominating the competition.
“Ella raced consistently, swimming and running well, but still needs to improve her cycling leg,” she said.
“She was quite nervous on the first day, which did affect her performance, but it was her first ever national event so that was to be expected.
“The second day of racing was team relays and Ella was much more relaxed. She performed better having gotten rid of her nerves the previous day.
“She loved the opportunity, learnt lots, met some new friends and hopes to be able to achieve that level again.
“Ella would like to thank everyone who supported her on this exciting journey.”
Miette, 14, travelled to Brisbane to compete in the 2017 Australian Age Swimming Championships.
She finished 31st from 67 competitors in the girls 14-year-old 100-metre breaststroke event.
Miette’s mother Nerissa Hopper said her daughter was happy with her swim, equalling her personal best to the 100th of a second.
Miette recorded a time of 1.18.22 despite carrying an injury.
“She had a bit of a hard time with her leg but with lots of physiotherapy during the week it was okay, although it affected her training leading into nationals,” Mrs Hopper said.
“She finished 31st overall and the sixth Victorian. It’s a hard task at national level.”
Mrs Hopper said Miette had turned her focus to School Sport Victoria swimming championships in Melbourne today.