The 14-year-old was up against much older competitors and her performance was outstanding considering there are no training facilities for the steeplechase on the North Coast.

Coached by Debbie Blundell, Jacinta’s Hobart performance followed a silver medal-winning effort in the under-16 years 2000m steeplechase at the NSW all schools’ championships.

That performance qualified her for the national titles.

Jacinta was able to travel to Tasmania thanks to a $500 donation from the Woolgoolga Lions Club, which helped with accommodation.’

Jacinta has now qualified for the Australian junior championships in March. A good performance there could earn selection for the world youth junior Olympics in Singapore August.