MOREE 12-year-old running sensation Kate McDonald is ranked 10th in Australia for 1500 metres and ninth for 800 metres after competing at the Australian All Schools Championships at Sydney’s Olympic Park last week – all while overcoming a head cold.

Kate created a new personal best for 800m when clocking 2min 18.11 seconds against the fastest in her age group.

Kate’s journey this year has taken her from zone and State carnivals to the national platform.

She qualified for the nationals after collecting bronze and silver at the NSWPSSA Primary Athletics State Championships in October, when third in the 1500m girls 12-13 years’ final and second in the 800m girls 12-13 years’ final.

Coach Ron Clissold was over the moon with Kate’s performance.

“She was great. All the other girls have been there before, but for Kate, it was her first time,” Clissold said.

“Kate had a bad cold for a week, and that set her back. She was two seconds off her personal best in the 1500m but still managed 10th place.

“She went back the next day and ran fifth in the 800m heat and missed out making the final by four-and-a-half tenths of a second,” he said.

“Kate still ran a personal best, by two seconds, which makes her the ninth-fastest in Australia for 800m in her age group.

“We were disappointed because of the head cold, but Kate still had the fight. She wouldn’t have won the final, but she would’ve been in the top-five, for sure.”

Kate McDonald and coach Ron Clissold at the Australian All Schools Championships in Sydney (Image supplied).

Kate’s immediate goal is to this Saturday break the Moree Park Run female record of 18 mins 56 seconds, held by Nikko Siddons since December, 2019.

“I think she can do that,” Clissold said.

Proud mum, Skye McDonald, said the family will next year relocate to Toowoomba.

“Sadly, Kate will head to school in Queensland next year, where she will attend Fairholme College,” Skye said.

“After Saturday’s Park Run, she’ll have a well-earned break and then get back into preparing for the upcoming cross country season.

“Ronny has been instrumental in Kate’s growth and development, and they have formed a great partnership.

“Kate is looking forward to going head-to-head with the current Australian under-12 girls’ cross country champion, who will attend the same school next year,” she said.