EVERY now and then, we see meteoric rises in the sports world, just like Milton's Cheyenne Murray.
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Just over six months ago, Murray joined up with the Milton-Ulladulla Athletics Club as she's always loved running, wanted to do it on a more competitive basis and improve her times.
In her first 800 metre event, the now 12-year-old clocked a time of two minutes and 40 seconds.
But with the extra training, thanks to coach Baylee Holland and sessions with the Bankstown Athletics Club, Murray has taken 25 seconds off that time already.
As such, the year seven student at Ulladulla High School has had a very successful season on the track, headlined by two gold medals at the ACT state championships, in the 400 metres (59.79) and 800 metres (2.16.30).
This backed up a strong showing at the NSW state junior championships, where she won gold in the 800 metres (2.15.30) and NSW little athletics state championships - which included first-place finishes in the 400 metres (58.85) and 800 metres (2.15.48).
"These results saw me selected to be a part of the NSW little athletics state team but COVID-19 prevented state racing, so they did a live leaderboard where each state put their fastest times instead," Murray said.
Murray then got to work with her coach Holland, which ultimately paid off at the recent national championships at the Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre.
"My training program in the lead up to the nationals involved sprint training, pace holding and winding up from slow pace to fast pace over a distance," the Ulladulla High School student, who only competed in the 800-metre in Sydney to prevent exhaustion, said.
"When my coach Baylee first said I would make it to nationals, I had my heart set on winning gold.
"So once I finally hit the track, I could tell I was close to beating my personal best as I could see the clock but as I passed by, I wasn't sure if I had until I stood on the podium to receive my gold medal, after running a 2.15.22.
"Topping the leaderboard in both the 400 metre (58.85) and 800 metres across all Australian little athletics is my greatest sporting achievement to date."
As stoked as Murray is, she knows none of this would have been possible without Holland.
"My running coach Baylee has her own running squad called the South Coast Flyers and she's a massive influence on me," Murray said.
"Without her, I would not have gotten this far.
"Baylee goes above and beyond and will often attend events and drive to Sydney just to help and support me in all events."
Murray, who will now transition into the cross country season, hopes this is only the start of her top-level success in the sport.
"These results inspire me to keep training and get better for next year," she said.
"My future goal is to compete at the Olympics one day."