Women in Sport is a new series by the Mudgee Guardian where we highlight female sport figures across the region.
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Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No. It was Alesha Bennetts who to put it simply, was born to run.
The 13-year-old track star is no stranger to the top podium spot having just claimed gold in the under 15 girls 400m final in a time of 56.50 at the Australian Athletics Championships for the NSW Athletics team.
Bennetts first took to the starting line some 10 years ago participating in Mudgee Little Athletics.
She began athletics "for something to do during summer" before discovering she had the ability to run fast.
Alesha came to this realisation after making it to the state championships for primary schools athletics when she was in year two, placing 8th in the 100m final.
It's been exciting. I have had the opportunity to train with Australian representatives and compete in lots of different places all over Australia. I have also met some amazing people and made new friends through the sport.
- Alesha Bennetts
The teen who trains for two hours three times a week says she's inspired by many female athletes in the sport including Lauren Wells (400m hurdles Australian Champion), Anneliese Rubie (400m sprinter), Ella Nelson (200m sprinter) and Melissa Breen (100m sprinter).
When asked what it is that she loves about the sport, Bennetts gave many reasons why.
"I love the feeling of running fast and competing against others. Also, the feeling you get when you complete a race, and the challenge of setting new PB's (personal best)," she said.
"I also love being part of athletics in Mudgee, my friends are there, and I get to help other kids in the club like people who helped me when I was little."
Alesha's ritual before a race consists of having her hair in two half braids tied into a high ponytail and eating a tin of spaghetti for breakfast.
"I'm not sure why, it just works for me," she said.
"Before my race I picture myself running fast and thinking of my race plan. I get nervous until I marshal for my event then I am with my friends and happy. When I get to my starting blocks I focus on running and when I am running I think of pumping my arms and having a fast leg turnover."
Expressing her thoughts on females participating in sport, Alesha believes in having a go which is clearly reflected in her favourite quote by Dara Torres, "Never put a limit on your dreams".
I believe every girl should have the opportunity to do any sport they could possibly want to participate in. All girls should get out there and have a go, do their best and enjoy it.
"There is nothing to lose, you will meet some of the best people through athletics where everyone is encouraging and happy for you to be there."
If you know a woman involved in sport across the Mid-Western region, either an athlete or behind the scenes contributor, that you would like included in the Women in Sport series, send a nomination through to jay-anna.mobbs@fairfaxmedia.com.au.