Paraparaumu College Sports Captain, Tim Stewart, takes on Australia’s best this weekend at their national secondary schools cross country champs in Bald Hills, Brisbane.
Last year Stewart won a number of Wellington harrier events in his age group, but the racing has been tougher this year. He had a disappointing run in our National Secondary School Championships in June where he felt he went out too fast. “I’ve now learned to relax at the start, so that I can finish strongly.” He says advice from a dietitian on nutrition and what to eat on race day is also helping his preparation for Saturday’s event.
Stewart came in 23rd in the Men’s 19 race at the recent National Cross Country Championships at Waikanae Park and four days later he picked up third place in the Wellington Schools Senior Boys Road Race. “This was my best race all season and I feel more confident than I have for a while,” he said.
Tim’s father and coach, Brian Stewart, is convinced that his son’s form is on the up. “His recent third placing means he’s going into the race in good touch. It’s hard to know how he will do over there, however a top twenty finish is definitely a possibility.”