EAST Down AC’s Anna Gardiner celebrated her 18th birthday in Belgrade whilst competing in the World Cross Country Championships this weekend.
Temperatures reaching 27°C, combined with a tricky course, which included hay bale obstacles, meant the U20 women’s 6K race was no stroll in the park. Anna did exceptionally well to finish inside the top 40, crossing the line in 37th with a time of 21:58.
She was the top Irish finisher.
Anna is unbeaten domestically in her age group in 2024, a record that has seen her nominated as a finalist in the upcoming Local Women Sport 2024 awards in the Europa Hotel on Saturday, April 27.
The Peter Morgan coached athlete has signed for Providence College in the USA on a scholarship, when she is finishes school later this year.
