Daniel Williams has already amassed an impressive array of sporting accolades, and now he can add one more to the list, second place at the State Cross Country Championships.
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Aside from the new silver medal, his performance also scored him a spot in the NSW Cross Country Merit Team for 2020, set to compete at next year's National Cross Country Championships.
"Through the race, I was feeling very strong and decided to push myself as hard as I ever have, my goal was to get a medal," Daniel said.
"I was sitting in third, and I overtook second place with about 50 metres to go, it was a sprint to the line.
"I felt sick, faint and exhausted; it all felt like a dream - I think it was runners high.
"I was very excited to hear that I gained selection in the team and I'm looking forward to getting to have a national race with the NSW team."
Trained by Andrew Rowlings from RETRO (Rowlings Endurance Triathlon and Running Org) in Coffs Harbour, Daniel spent weeks preparing for the race, with running, cycling, strength work, stretching and the occasional swim.
It wasn't all smooth sailing though, a broken collarbone nearly derailed his chances before the starters pistol had even fired.
"I broke it during a recess game of year 7 vs year 8 rugby at school, I got tackled and landed on my shoulder," Daniel said.
"I had a few days off school and completely rested it, then started doing some stationary bike riding and walking and leg exercises to try and keep my fitness.
"I didn't run for 4-5 weeks, but after this rest period, I started to slowly get back into training, which included intervals and slow long runs."
To date, Daniel has represented NSW twice while he was at primary school, 2017 at National Cross Country in Hobart and 2019 at National Cross Country in Wollongong.
He has also medalled at NSW PSSA state athletics twice, coming third in the 800m in 2016 and third in the 1500m in 2019.
"I do a bit of everything, surf life saving, AFL, triathlon, athletics and mountain bike riding," Daniel said.
"My favourite sport to compete in is either AFL or cross country though."
Always, cheering him on from the sideline is mother Michelle, who is proud of her son's commitment, despite the broken bones and other challenges.
"I am extremely proud of Daniel; being a country kid means he doesn't have access to the training facilities of the city kids and always needs to travel huge distances to compete," she said.
"His training is mostly with adults, and he needs to wake at 5 am a couple of times a week to get to Coffs Harbour.
"For a 13-year old, I think he has shown amazing commitment and perseverance to continue training through a broken collarbone, and the challenges presented by COVID-19."
