The grade 6 student at Golden Square Primary School has earned selection in School Sport Victoria’s 12-and-under cross-country team.

Tullie will pit her skills against athletes from right around the nation when the School Sport Australia titles are run at Moonee Valley Racecourse and Albert Park from August 28 to 31.

“It’s exciting,” Tullie said about state selection and the build-up to the nationals.

A great season on the cross-country circuit included winning the 11-years division at the regionals in St Arnaud and then racing to fourth place in the SSV state finals at Bundoora.

Tullie will contest the 4km distance in the under-11 class at her first Australian championships.

Although one of the youngest competitors in the field, Tullie was runner-up in the open class of the Mother’s Day Classic run at Strathdale in May.

The University Athletics Club member has contested various cross-country races in winter.

“I like hill climbs and chasing,” Tullie said of her strengths in cross-country runs.

She said tips from coach Paul Rance had helped improve in several areas.

“Technique and posture are two areas I have worked at, as well as using my arms more when I run,” Tullie said.

She was a runaway winner of the grade 5-6 division at this year’s Bendigo Bank Dragon Mile run on Easter Sunday.  

Tullie also starred in many races across the Little Athletics season.

Highlights of last summer’s track and field action included third place in the under-11 1500m at the Little Athletics Victoria state titles.

Tullie ran a superb time of 5:29 on the Lakeside track at Albert Park.

She was first in the under-11 800m and 1500m at the regional championships.

Tullie capped the Bendigo Little Athletics season by earning awards for Attendance, Most Personal Bests, and 5 Star Award.

Swimming and triathlon are other sports Tullie likes to do.

Her feats on the road, pool or track are closely followed by parents Darren and Justine, and by siblings Max and Sebastian.