Arafura Games dual gold medalist and CDU Sport Fitness Coordinator Sophie Hawken described her participation in today’s Queen’s Baton Relay at Palmerston as one of the most important runs she has ever undertaken.
The 24-year-old triathlete who also took a silver medal last October in Hawaii at the World Aquathon Championships, was invited to run the final leg of the QBR along Palmerston Road this morning and said she was stunned at the massive turnout of school children and members of the public all cheering her on.
“It was just the most amazing feeling having all the school kids come out with lots of other locals who were just so keen to support all the runners,” she said.
“I’ve won gold and other medals while competing in races and meets all over the world and that is a great feeling.
“But I have to admit being out there today in the Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton Relay and being cheered on by everybody certainly ranks right up there with some of my best experiences.”
Sophie said she now plans on turning professional and heading down to Noosa, Queensland, in November this year to compete for her pro licence.
“I’m now going to really train up and make an effort to turn pro which will enable me to focus just on one or two major races a year,” she said.