BY JOHN CHRISMA
WAINONI Community High School Ellen Wasia scooped double long-distance titles at the long-distance event finals of the 2021 National Secondary School Games.
Ellen, the 16-year-old Makira-born star overcame challenging heat conditions to win this year’s National Secondary School Games gold in the women’s 5000m and 10,000m at the Lawson Tama Stadium.
The young long-distance runner defied the sun’s heat to see off Rose Ata of Bolale Community High School in the gold title race by clocking a personal best of 22.27 to clinch a second straight victory of the 5,000m event.
Ellen even runs a personal best of 45.22 this week to win gold in the 10,000m event to ensure both titles are staying in Makira.
The shy young athlete from East Bauro, Makira province who made her debut to compete in the Games told Raw Sports that she’s very happy to earn gold medals in both events.
“I am very excited to compete among some of the best young student-athletes in the country at this year’s event,” she said.
“Growing up in East Bauro, Makira province, I have managed to develop a lot of interest in running and later it became my hobby,” she said. “I often walk long distances to reach my school, and most times I have to run in kilometers to reach my school or else I will be late for my class.”
When asked how many weeks of training to prepare for the Games.
The Wainoni golden girl revealed that ahead of the Games she has undergone four months of preparatory training which was under the supervision and watchful eyes of her head of coach.
“I want to thank my coach, family, supporters, and God for giving me hope, strength, and confidence to believe in myself and making it paid off in winning both gold medals in the double event.
“I am will to take up the sport to another level and represent the country in future competitions,” she shyly told Raw Sports.
Wainoni School, Athletics Assistant Coach, and Former national athletics runner, Vincent Tagha said that Ellen was actually trained to win gold.
