ATHLETICS: Bridget Hardy wanted one first and secured it at yesterday’s St Mary’s School Athletics Carnival at Hamilton Oval.

She was third in her favourite event, high jump, third in 100m and 200m but when a bit of distance was added, Bridget powered away to win the 800m.

Caity McMahon was the early leader but Bridget took the lead soon after the start of the second lap.

“Caity said I think you’ve got this Bridge when I took the lead,” Bridget said.

“I look forward to the school athletics carnival each year, it is fun and my favourite school day of the year .”

She has run a 1500m race and 3km in cross country.

Last year, she was sixth in Southern Downs cross country at Allora and this year hopes to compete in the Southern Downs trials in the 800m.

Bridget said her plan in the 800m was to jog the first lap and run the second lap.

She does no specific training for middle distance events but Bridget put her success yesterday down to running up Weewondilla Hill and along the Condamine River as part of netball training.

Rooney House won the overall, relay, ball games and field events trophies. Potter was a close second in each category.

The Robin Miller Memorial Award for the 11 year old with the highest points was won by Lily Osborne.

The second Robin Miller award for the fastest six year old was won by Hunter Tate-Roche.

There were no records on a cold day at Hamilton Oval when 350 athletes competed.

Age champions: Nine years Arie Van Kerkwyk, Morgan O’Leary

10 years: Ben Carey, Alyssa March

11 years: Martin Bell, Lily Osborne

12 years: Tie between Morgan Bourke and Riley Brodrick, Meghan Carey

Runners up: Nine years: Eli Costello, tie between Morgan Partington and Grace Ball

10 years: Ryan Fischer, Abbey Monckton

11 years: Glen Jhon Cruda, Mackenzie Rutledge

12 years: Taylah Eastwell