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Mahurangi College student Dove Elton will represent New Zealand for the first time in her career at the Australian Athletics Secondary Schools National Cross Country Championships.
But a running shoe which fell apart almost wrecked her hopes.
Dove was selected in the Under-17 women’s team after winning a relay race at the New Zealand Secondary Schools Cross Country Championships held in Wellington in June, where she recorded one of the fastest times of the competition.
But during the individual race held the previous day, Dove hit a problem about 500 metres into the race.
“I noticed I basically couldn’t run because it felt like I was running with a slipper on. My foot was sliding out of place,” Dove said. “The whole bottom of my shoe came off, and I was forced to pull out.”
Months of preparation disappeared in a matter of minutes, leaving her feeling frustrated and defeated.
It was not until she was offered the opportunity to compete in the relay the following day that she realised her chance was not completely gone.
“My dad and I rushed into Wellington city centre as quickly as we could to find a new pair of spikes for the relay the next day.”
Her strong performance in the relay, combined with her victory at the Auckland Secondary Schools Cross Country Championships and previous results, ultimately earned her selection for the New Zealand team.
“I honestly couldn’t believe it. It was just incredible how it all came together,” she said.
The excitement of being selected did not slow Dove down, as she continued to achieve strong results.
She finished third in the Under-18 women’s category at the North Island Cross Country Championships in Taupō before claiming her first national title at the New Zealand Cross Country Championships, winning the Under-18 women’s race as a 15-year-old.
For Dove, the journey is only beginning. After proving herself on the national stage, she will now take on the challenge of competing in Australia, with the event taking place on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August in Ballarat.
“I would love to pursue athletics professionally, and I guess my goal is to keep building consistency, continue improving my speed and strength, and see where this journey takes me.”
