Christi Bestry takes silver at all school's event to earn State cross country squad call-up

Christi Bestry continues to add to her growing medals collection after taking silver at the School Sports WA Cross Country Championships.

Three students were sent to UWA Sports Park on Thursday, May 18 as Bestry, along with Nicole Chamberlain, represented Geraldton Grammer while Samaia Friesen represented Nagle Catholic College.

The event is the platform for selection into the SSWA State Cross Country Team with the first two finishers in each event qualifying for the State team.

The event attracts between 110-200 competitors in each event from Years 7 to 12 each year.

Bestry and Chamberlain competed in the girls 16 years 4000m race as Friesen ran in the girls 17-plus years 4000m.

Out of 110 competitors, Bestry claimed the silver medal in a time of 15min. 10sec. while Chamberlain claimed a top-five finish placing fifth in a time of 16:17.

Friesen managed a top-10 finish crossing the line in seventh from 84 runners in a time of 16:47.

All three runners are under the tutelage of Mid West Academy of Sport Athletics coach Gary Clark as the region continues to produce top-end talent.

The work for the three girls is not over as they head to Perth with their schools for the ACC (Associated and Catholic Colleges) 57th Annual Cross Country Championships held at Perry Lakes Reserve on Thursday, June 1, where 79 WA schools will be present.