THE focus on sport for the Olympic Games in 2021 and now for the Commonwealth Games has given an incentive for many young athletes and sports folk to achieve major challenges in their chosen sport fields.
One such athlete is Nagambie Primary School's eleven year old student Brodie Miller.
During COVID in 2020–21 and up until now, Brodie and his school principal Robert French could be seen running over 2km three times a week after school around the boardwalk, lakeside to Buckley Park and on the Elloura Track.
Two years ago, when they began this exercise Brodie could run the distance in 20 minutes and Mr French would say to him "Stop getting distracted".
Back then Mr French was faster, while now Brodie completes the distance in just over eleven minutes with Mr French eating his dust.
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This year, Brodie has achieved excellent results when he competed in the various selection trails including the school house sports, the Euroa District sports at the Murchison Golf Club, the Division sports for Strathbogie Ranges at the Yea Golf Club and horse track complex and at Benalla for the Hume Region.
At the start of Term 3 he was called back from the school camp to compete in the state competition at Yarra Glen racing track.
He placed second in this state wide competition and was selected to be in the School Sport Victoria Team Vic 10–12 Years Cross Country team to compete in the School Sport Australia Cross Country Championships in Adelaide from August 26–29.
The Team features students from all over Victoria to represent Team Vic.
Brodie will compete in the 12 years boys' Multi–Class 2km event as a T37 athlete for students with a disability.
He will be wearing a Vic team track suit for the Opening Ceremony, and will wear a Vic team singlet and shorts for his events, and will have a back pack and gear featuring the Victorian Team's emblems to treasure.
He now has some coaches guiding him for the competition in South Australia from the School Sport Vic team.
His parents Emma Miller and Matt Toohey and Grandparents Karen and Rick Miller attended most of the sports meets he had raced in and will be driving to SA with him for this three day major athletic event.
Brodie spoke about how he felt representing Victoria and his future goals.
"I feel good, and confident," he said.
"When I come back, I would like to become a policeman, but also maybe train for the Olympic Games or Commonwealth Games."
When giving advice to other runners, Brodie spoke on the importance of finishing strong.
"Bring it home hard," he said.
Mr French had explained to him that those athletes with a disability compete with the other athletes and he was impressed to learn that.
Brodie is very thankful to Mr French and his family for the support he has received in his endeavours to achieve his goals thus far.
The Nagambie community and the whole School community at Nagambie Primary School wish him well in the National competition.
Win or lose it is an honour to represent his school, family and state in such an event. Here's hoping Brodie and his team mates can achieve their personal goals.
