Sport
22 October, 2023
Gift winner takes state title
WARRNAMBOOL College student Grace Carter has backed up her Mortlake Gift win with a state title.
The talented 17-year-old, who trains with the local DPS stable, flew home in last Sunday’s final of the Mortlake Gift 120m to take line honours in a time of 14.1 seconds.
“I was pretty surprised to win the Gift to be honest,” Grace said.
“But I was thrilled. It was a pretty wet and ordinary day but the track presented well which made for some good racing.”
There was little time to celebrate in the Carter household on Sunday night, with Grace up early the following day and on the road to Melbourne to compete in the SSV (School Sport Victoria) track and field secondary state championships.
The day proved another successful one for the young track star, bringing home a gold and a silver medal.
“Backing up the Gift win with a state title was pretty special so I was pleased with my results,” Grace said.
“My coaches at DPS, Rob Duynhoven and Wayne Perry are great. I’m really keen to see how fast I can go this season; our season culminates with the running of the Stawell Gift next April which I’m also looking forward to.
“Unfortunately I tore my hamstring a week before Stawell last April so hopefully I’ll get to run there next year.”
Grace’s success on the track is reward for her effort and dedication to her chosen sport. She currently trains four or five times a week and has been running competitively since she was about 10.
“I just love running; I don’t really have much time for any other sports but that’s fine. The 100m and 200m events are my favourites – my fastest time over the 100 is 12.78 so I’m aiming to better that.”
