LACIE Quigley is the toast of Quirindi this week after the Year 5 Quirindi Public School student won two gold medals at the Australian Cross Country Championships in Albany, Western Australia last weekend.
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The 10-year-old runner won gold in both individual and relay events, running a personal best 7mins 22secs to win the 2km Under 10 Cross Country Championship and then uniting with her NSW teammates to win the 4km Under 10 Australian Cross Country Relay.
Her efforts are a delight for her Quirindi schoolmates and teachers.
Principal Kerry Kurtz said he and the school were extremely proud of Quigley and her achievements.
“Apparently she took off like a rocket and led the whole way – that was her tactic,” Kurtz said.
On her return to the school on Tuesday the champion athlete had streamers thrown over her as she walked through a guard of honour into an assembly.
Quigley is a new student to the school after recently moving from Branxton.
“She is a great kid and great addition to the school,” Kurtz said.
“She is off to the regional athletics carnival this week for running and long jump.
“Hopefully Lacie can get to Nationals again.”
It is a massive achievement and display of raw talent as Quigley doesn’t do any training other than running.
Lacie is the oldest child of four for Megan and Luke Quigley.
Her brothers, Luke junior, Logan and Lachlan are all keen sportsmen, especially rugby league, and are taking after their father.
Luke Quigley is a former Newcastle Knight who also played in France with Catalan Dragons.
The Quigleys only moved to Quirindi from Branxton in May but have forged a strong bond with the community and Lacie’s wonderful running has endeared her to Quirindi as its latest national champion.
