AS twins, Jennifer and Catherine Mendes (pictured) have a lot in common, including a shared passion for athletics.
For the past three years, the 12-year-olds have represented Altona Primary School at the state track and field championships, winning a swag of medals along the way.
Catherine will be joining the Victorian team for the School Sport Australia national track and field championships in Adelaide from November 23-27.
She will compete in long jump and the 100 metre and 4 x 100 metre relay.
“I like athletics because it seems second-nature to me and I love the events,” she says. “I’d like one day to achieve national level and represent Australia.”
Both girls have also qualified for the Athletics Australia junior track and field championships in Perth next March. Catherine will compete in the long jump, while Jennifer will run in the 1500m and 3000m races.
“I love track and field,” says Jennifer, “but I find cross-country challenging because of the different courses.
“Hopefully I can represent Australia one day.”—Tegan Forder
