Sarah comes in second

St John the Baptist Catholic Primary School Year 5 student Sarah Pollard finished second at the State Catholic schools' Cross Country Championships at Eastern Creek recently.

The championships, at which 106 girls competed, represented the fourth level of progressive qualifying competition.

Sarah won at the third qualifying level and became the first student from St John the Baptist to win at this level.

Sarah's father Greg Pollard said that the event was a two kilometre run and was held in strong winds and rain.

Greg said: "She's confident in going to the state championships.

"Her mother (Francine Pollard) and I are runners.

"We help out and offer advice.

"For example, we've worked on lengthening her stride and teaching her long distance strategies.

"We try not to push too hard.

"But she's always chasing me up to go for a run together.

"She loves it."

Greg said that Sarah's love of running comes a close second to her love of swimming.

"She was age champion this year at the Gosford RSL Swimming Club," Mr Pollard said.

Greg said that Sarah has competed at the State representation qualifiers at Homebush.

"In 2006 at Homebush, she achieved third place in the butterfly," Mr Pollard said.

Sarah has won 36 medals for swimming competition achievements.

Con Orfanos, 22 Jun 2007