She did say to me before she even did it, “I probably won’t place anywhere”, but I told her as long as she tries, and she did.
- Ronai Bloor
Seventeen-year-old Sienna Bloor of Wombat is no stranger to competing at the NSW Catholic Schools Sports Service State Athletics Carnival, having competed at state level since her days at primary school.
Although this year the Year 11 Hennessy Catholic College student added to her medal tally after scooping silver in the 17 years plus girls high jump.
On Friday, September 16 the versatile athlete headed to Olympic Park, Sydney to compete in the high jump event for the fourth time in five years.
With only one practice session up her sleeve using the high jump mats at Wombat Public School, Sienna headed to the carnival.
Here she came up against the most talented athletes in NSW, and while doubtful of placing, went on to claim silver in her category on a countback from first place.
Proud mum, Ronai, said a huge 1.60 metre jump earned Sienna the silver medal.
“She tied with the winner who jumped the same height, the outcome went off a countback,” Ronai said.
“They have three jumps per height – Sienna missed her first try at 1.55m, and then got it.
“She then missed her first try at 1.60m and then got it, and missed at 1.63m.
“Whereas the girl who won it jumped 1.55m first up, missed 1.60m first try, got it second, and missed the 1.63m.
“Sienna missed one more jump than the winner did.”
Ronai said Sienna was quietly excited about the outcome.
“She was very excited and I think she was proud of herself – she never said it – but she did say to me before she even did it, “I probably won’t place anywhere”, but I told her as long as she tries, and she did,” she said.
“We’re stoked. We’re very, very proud of her.”
It’s now Sienna’s second state medal, along with a bronze she earned in 2011.
