KU-RING-GAI Little Athletics’ Matilda Harrison has claimed gold for NSW at the Coles Australian Little Athletics Championships held at Melbourne’s Lakeside Stadium in late April.

The rising sprint star was part of the victorious NSW 4 x 100m Under 13 relay team who edged out a fast-finishing Victorian outfit to take gold.

Matilda, a student at Pymble Ladies’ College, was humble in her achievements, which also included a silver medal in the 100m and fourth placing in the 200m.  

“It’s a really good feeling to win a gold medal, there’s a really good vibe in the team.  The 100m relay was definitely a highlight of the championships but also coming second in the 100m,” she said. 

The young gun doesn’t have to look far for inspiration, with legendary sprinter Melinda Gainsford-Taylor as her coach.  

Matilda and Ku-Ring-Gai Little Athletics teammate Sarah Lovell were two of 48 Under 13 and Under 15 athletes chosen to represent NSW at the national event for, which was held for the first time in three years due to COVID restrictions.  

The team finished with a total of 39 medals (11 gold, 14 silver, 14 bronze) across the two days.