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BIOGRAPHY |
Gold Coast’s Aspen Anderson has made steady progress in sport to now reach a national level in triathlon and international level in running. But key for her as been her training environment which she describes as “a running community that makes me proud to be a part of whilst creating lifelong friendships and memories.”
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Aspen Anderson started her journey in athletics at Primary school. She was involved in her school run club - training once a week when she was 11 years old. In her first year she made it to State.
“My expectations were unrealistic, and I was disappointed when I didn't make the Queensland Team but in doing so gave me the motivation to improve. Since then I have found the best group of coaches and friends at Gold Coast Run Co - a running community that makes me proud to be a part of whilst creating lifelong friendships and memories.”
Over her sporting journey, Aspen was also been involved in triathlon and is now at a National level in that sport. Her progression in athletics was steady, partly due to the high standard of Queensland women’s distance running - which had a positive effect of inspiring Aspen.
“My progress in running has been gradual and I have been fortunate to be in Queensland where the competition in my age group is so strong. Whenever we have state competition it is a national class field of girls and it really motivates you to better yourself. I was always just missing out on the podiums right up until mid-2020 when I finally won my first ever Cross Country State medal. From then on I have learnt so much about the sport and how hard I can push myself.”
In 2022 she won her first National cross country gold medal – the Australian under-17 title. “It proves that perseverance pays off.”
Going into the January 2023 Australian team trials for the World Athletics Cross Country Championships, Aspen was relaxed about her hope for the race.
“My goal was to make the team and I was really hoping for a top-6 finish at the trial. However, I didn’t really have any pressure as it was my first ever 6km race, I was stoked to finish 4th at the trials.”
The fourth place earned her selection in the six-member Australian under-20 team.
Most influential person in your career: My parents and family are the most supportive and selfless people. They always encourage me to pursue my goals and keep it real…Advice to your young self: Surround yourself with positive people…Hobbies: I love skiing and coffee shop rides with dad…Sporting ambition: I dream to one day compete in the Olympic Games in athletics and/or Triathlon…Education: Year 11 at Somerset College…Other Sports: National level Triathlete…Biggest challenge you've faced: Being involved in a bike accident and breaking my arm two weeks out before my National Triathlon Championships. I needed to have an operation and time off to heal and was more determined to get back to training and racing…What do you like best about competing: I really enjoy meeting new people and the pre and postrace chats. But ultimately I love pushing myself physically to see what I can achieve.
@ 3 Feb 2023 david.tarbotton@athletics.org.au