The cross-country season truly brings out the best in some runners, and one such athlete is Redline Running’s Poppy Nivarovich. In just her second season, Poppy has had a remarkable journey, showcasing her determination and resilience on the course. Recently, she achieved an impressive 7th overall finish in the U18 age group at the Australian Cross Country Championships. Additionally, her performance played a crucial role in helping Victoria secure a Gold team medal in the event.

Poppy’s AV XCR Journey

From her first race to the championships, each step has demonstrated her dedication to the sport. Here’s a look at her performance throughout the season:

• April 27, 2024: Poppy kicked off her season with a solid performance at the 3km XC Relay in Jells Park, clocking in at 11:14 and finishing in 6th place.
• May 11, 2024: She continued to build momentum at the 5km XC in Woodend, finishing in 4th place with a time of 19:12.
• June 2, 2024: Poppy didn’t quite have the race she had hoped for falling ill during the 3km Road event in Albert Park, she still managed to finish in 10th place with a time of 10:44.
• June 15, 2024: Competing again in the 3km XC at Ravenswood, she recorded a time of 11:20 and finished in 5th place.
• June 29, 2024: In the 3.1km Road Relay at Sandown, Poppy achieved a time of 11:04 and secured the 3rd best performance.
• July 20, 2024: At the 4km XC in Bundoora, she finished 5th at the Victorian All Schools Championships with a time of 15:12.
• August 4, 2024: Poppy tackled the 6km Road at Lake Wendouree, finishing in 5th place with a time of 21:59.
• August 17, 2024: She participated in the 6.1km Ekiden Relay in Myrniong, achieving the  fastest time for U18s with a finish of 24:14.
• September 8, 2024: In the 5km Road event at Burnley, Poppy finished in 8th place with a time of 18:54.
• September 14, 2024: The season culminated at the 3.83km Tan Relay, where she completed the course in 14:13 and finished in 10th place.

Additionally, Poppy finished 3rd overall in the Champion Athlete standings for her age group, with a total score of 22 points. This accomplishment further solidified her status as a rising star in the sport.

Australian XC Championships: A Breakthrough Performance

The highlight of Poppy's season came at the Australian XC Championships, where she truly shone. Competing against some of the best young runners in the country, she pushed herself to the limit and secured a remarkable 7th place finish in the U18 category held in cold, wet, and challenging conditions. This incredible feat not only showcased her talent but also demonstrated her potential for future competitions.

Her 7th place performance contributed to the team's overall success, earning a Gold medal in the U18 age group.

Looking Ahead: Focus on the Track Season

With the cross-country season behind her, Poppy is now shifting her focus to the upcoming track season. She has set her sights on achieving personal bests across a range of distances, from the 800m to the 5000m.

Poppy's ambition and drive are sure to inspire her teammates as she prepares for what lies ahead. At redLINE Running we are excited to see how she harnesses her talent on the track, and we have no doubt she will continue to push her limits.

Keep an eye on Poppy—her journey is just beginning, and the best is yet to come!