Eliza Rixon, granddaughter of Yass FM presenter John McClung, secured two golds at the 2017 Australian Athletics Championships in Sydney during March 26-April 2.
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Eliza, 15, represented the ACT and came first in the 1500m. She also secured first in the 3000m events, finishing it in 9:51.94 – the only athlete in her age group to go less than 10 minutes.
Eliza’s mother Jenny said her hard work paid off. “We were quite overwhelmed by it all. She’s always been quite a strong cross-country runner so the results were quite a surprise,” she said.
Jenny said the preparations were a key factor. “When she got up there, she was relaxed. In the 1500m, she was challenged by a NSW girl in the final stretch, but Eliza just kicked on and won in the last 10-15 metres.
Eliza will have a 12-month break – with training in between – before competing again. Her 2017 results come after securing first in her age group at the 2016 ACT All Schools Athletics Nationals.