THE determination and fitness of three Riverland girls has been rewarded with strong performances in the School Sport Australia Cross Country Championships for 10 to 19 year olds, at the Yarra Glen Racecourse, in Victoria’s Yarra Valley.
The event ran from 20 August until 23 August. 
States represented in the 10 to 12 age groups included SA, NSW, WA, QLD, VIC and ACT, with six athletes in each age and gender from each state.
Chloe Golding, from Waikerie, finished in 22nd place and was the first SA athlete across the finishing line in the 2km 10-year-old girls cross country event. 
“I tried my best and never gave in until the end, Chloe said.
“I just kept fighting and I was happy with my result and I now know what competition I am up against if I get to go again.”
Chloe is now training hard to represent the Riverland in the SAPSASA running events.
“I am in the 1500m, 800m, 200m and relay and my goal is to do my best and try and make it into the track and field state team,” she said. 
Also in the 2km 10-year-old girls cross country event, Ramco’s Zara Garner was the third SA runner to cross the finishing line, finishing in 27th place overall.  
Loxton’s Mollie Thiele was the 27th Australian to cross the finish line in the 12-year-old girls 3km cross country event. 
SA won a bronze medal in the 12-year-old boys combined team scores. 
All SA athletes and parents cheered the boys onto the podium.
SA team supporter and proud mum of Chloe, Julia Golding, said it was noted the SA team was “very supportive” of their teammates, and also those from other states.
“They were high-fiving athletes from other states and helping them up after they were collapsing over the finish line,” she said.  
School Sport SA Cross Country Championships coach Richard Coote said the team certainly deserved to win a medal for the best team spirit.
“Thank you everyone for your support of each other,” he said. 
Mr Coote, who is also the Riverland Athletics Development Squad coach, was also awarded and recognised for his 10 years of service with School Sport Australia, in both Cross Country and Track and Field. 
Ms Golding said Mr Coote had worked tirelessly to bring the best out of the SA athletes.
“How deserving it was to be commended on such commitment and dedication,” she said. 
Mr Coote is set to retire from School Sport SA coaching. 
Team relays were held on 23 of August, with the SA 10-year-old girls running 1km legs each, and finishing 5th.
The SA 12-year old girls’ team ran 1.5km legs each, also crossing the line in 5th place.
“Many new friendships, amazing memories and an understanding of what it takes to compete with the best in Australia are just some of the things the SA girls will take away from this amazing experience,” Ms Golding said. 
“We can’t wait to see what the future holds for these talented young athletes.”