THEY'RE our best local hopes of taking out a senior Queanbeyan Gift trophy this Sunday, and Queanbeyan sprinters Andrea Thompson and Cassie Hopkins are fighting fit and ready for the big stage.
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The 16-year-olds experienced all the excitement and nerves of racing against some of the nation's best sprinters in Lauren Wells (nee Boden) and Melissa Breen at last year's Gift carnival. And this year, they say they're ready to represent their home town and make a real impact in Australia's richest female sprint race.
“Intense and nerve-wracking" is how Hopkins described last year's Gift heats.
"I didn't run very well, but it was my first year, so I didn't mind too much.
And Thompson was battling a knee injury at the time. She qualified for the semi-finals, but couldn't continue to compete due to knee soreness.
"I was injured at the time so it was kind of good that not much was expected of me. It was an interesting experience.
"My knee's all good now but it's taken me about 12 months to get back to peak form."
The two Karabar students will again be called upon to perform at their best while surrounded by thousands of spectators at Queanbeyan Park. However they both said last year's Gift racing made them more confident to match it with the best this weekend.
"You still get nervous, but you still want to win," Hopkins said.
Hopkins will be starting off a handicap of 12m in the heats and Thompson off 9.5m.
Both athletes said they were hoping to progress their athletics careers on the international stage, with Hopkins hoping to land an American college scholarship, and Thompson an aspiring Olympian in her preferred 200metre sprint category.
Meanwhile, the Hopkins crew will be bolstered this weekend by Cassandra's fellow triplets, Thomas and Karina, and younger twin siblings Emily and Courtney (15) who will compete across a range of junior events.
Racing events will be held at Queanbeyan Town Park both Saturday and Sunday, with the Men's Gift Final to be raced on Sunday at 2.30pm and the Women's final at 2.45pm. For more details, visit www.queanbeyangift.com.au.