DUBBO Athletics president David Williams has seen a lot of talented athletes come through during more than 20 years of involvement but he still gets the same amount of joy when locals achieve success on the big stage.
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Ella Penman is the latest one to have her name up in lights as announcing herself as one of the leading runners in the state.
Penman travelled to Sydney earlier this month for the NSW All Schools Cross Country Championship and the nine-year-old returned home with the gold medal.
On top of that, the St Pius X student starred during yesterday's Western Catholic Schools Carnival and smashed the record in the 800m.
"She's very talented," Williams said.
"She's the best in the state so you can't argue with that.
"My kids competed in the catholic system and it's extremely competitive so, in my eyes, to win is exceptional.
"You're running against anywhere from 60 to 80 kids so to go there and win is a dream come true."
Williams has been working with the rising star for close to two years but in recent times she's taken her performances to another level.
Penman took out the Polding cross country event which qualified her for the All Schools Championships.
Despite going up against the best athletes in NSW and runners who have easy access to elite training, Penman surprised many, including her family, on her way to beating the other 74 competitors.
Fellow Dubbo athlete Millie Gooch also attended the carnival, competing in the 11 years age group, and despite not finishing in the places she showed again she is one of the region's leading athletes.
With Penman now advancing to nationals, Williams said there's no reason the focused athlete can't continue her success.
"I think it's just her willingness to train and her determination," he said.
"She knows where she wants to go and she takes in what you tell her.
"The motivation is a big one and the raw talent is definitely there."
Penman was just one of the stars at Barden Park yesterday with Gooch again showing just how talented she is.
In her 11 years age group, Gooch smashed the high jump record by 14cm, setting a new personal best in the process, while she also broke the record in the long jump by jumping 4.11m.
She also impressed on the track by breaking the 800m record by four seconds, breaking the 200m record and also finishing first in the 100m.
Williams couldn't be more proud of the Dubbo athletes.
"Especially the kids you've had something to do with, it makes it all worthwhile," he said.
