This comes after their impressive results at the Campaspe cross-country event and the Loddon Mallee Region cross-country event at St Arnaud in the 11-year age-group.
Tippi placed second in her age group for the Campaspe cross-country event, finishing in the top 12 and earning qualification to the Loddon Mallee Region cross-country event where she placed fourth, getting her first state level cross-country qualification.
Ella attended the Victorian Cross Country State Championships last year, finishing in the 30s, and her results this year in the Campaspe event saw her finish in fourth and sixth at the Loddon-Mallee Region event.
The young guns only began cross-country running two years ago when they were in Year 3, and have participated in the Loddon Mallee Region cross-country events every year they have been racing.
Both girls are avid athletes who compete in multiple sports, including in the same soccer team for Tongala Primary School, while Ella also plays netball, football and is a state level triple-jumper and long-jumper.
The athletes are a product of Tongala Primary School’s strong sports program, which has seen numerous teams and athletes reach regional and state level.
Tippi’s mother, Maree Holyman, was thrilled with her daughter’s achievement, highlighting her natural ability and her pride for whatever she accomplishes.
“Both myself and her dad were ecstatic to see her get that result; we are so proud of her,” she said.
“She enjoys running and often goes on a run up and down our road, so I think she’ll stick with it for as long as she enjoys it.
“We are pleased with her efforts, we don’t put a lot of pressure on her or anything, we just let her do her thing and just proud of whatever she can achieve.”
Ella’s mum, Laura, also reflected on the achievement and highlighted Ella’s excitement about competing in the state competition with her friends.
“Ella is really excited that she’ll get to go to the state competition with Tippi and some of her other friends, so it should be a lot of fun,” she said.
“It's all very exciting, all of our kids are super sporty, so it’s nice to see them do their best and have a crack.
“Our kids always put in a lot of effort and it’s just nice to see them succeed.”
