On the 26th of September, a 5th grader from Queenwood School for Girls smashed a record set back in 1977 by 18 seconds. She broke the world record in the 5,000 metres for 11 years old at an athletics meet at the Narrabeen track in New South Wales.
Representing Sydney Athletics Academy with coach Jack McPhee, multi-disciplined athlete Mia Guillergan ran the 5-kilometre race in 17 minutes and 41.03 seconds. As a result of her achievement, news footage from her race has gone viral. Media outlets both in Australia and in the Philippines wanted to have a chat and celebrate the achievement of the new world record holder. I had an opportunity to briefly chat with Mia and her parents.
Mia was exposed to sports when she was in the first grade, with soccer being the first sport she participated in. Mia said she loves the sport and would be keen to one day become a member of the Matilda’s (Australia’s Women’s National Soccer Team). Mia has a passion for sport and has participated in tennis, swimming, touch football, hockey and triathlon.
Before the race, Mia was not even thinking of breaking any records. She was just happy to get back on the track as the restrictions have eased. During the race, Mia felt good as she paced herself well and looked at the time during the race and just kept running.
Mia is a full-time 11-year-old and sports/athletics is just a thing she enjoys. Hanging out with friends, going to parties, and her parents encouraging her to keep up with schoolwork. To them, balance is important. Mia would one day like to make it in the Olympics as well as hit her academic goals.
Her winning mindset is shaped and encouraged by her coach and parents. Mia’s coach taught her the concept ‘If you don’t think you can do it, then you can’t do it.’ And digging deep, pushing through even when she does not feel like doing it has given Mia the energy to push through and cross the finish line.
Mia claims gold medallist Kenyan runner Eliud Kipchoge and gold medallist Ethiopian runner Genzebe Dibaba are her inspiration and she hopes to meet them one day. Mia’s message is: “Always have fun with what you are doing. Have goals and achieve them one step at a time; stay healthy and stay active.” Mia is also a brand ambassador for Impi Sportswear.
For further enquiries and information, visit www.guillergan.com.
Keep up the awesome and inspirational work Mia!
