KIPPENS — Jillian Forsey would probably confess she was just hoping to be on the starting line, but once again she battled through adversity for an impressive finish on the international stage.
The 17-year-old Kippens native placed eighth overall for Canada in the junior women’s four-kilometre race at the 2013 North America Central and Caribbean (NACAC) Cross-Country Championships Saturday in Mandeville, Jamaica.
The Level 3 student at Stephenville High crossed the finish line in 14 minutes, 48 seconds to help Team Canada claim the team title in the junior women’s bracket, something it also did in the junior men and senior women divisions.
Forsey, who competed in a field of 31 runners, was battling a nagging injury leading up to the major international event on the cross-country running calendar and was limited to training in the pool.
She was making regular visits to the physiotherapist with hopes she would be able to get through it. She really didn’t want to disappoint because there was high expectations placed on her after her impressive showing in Vancouver where she captured the Canadian junior women’s title.
In the end, Erin Finn of the United States won the junior women’s crown with a final clocking of 14 minutes and nine seconds, while a trio of Forsey’s teammates filled out the next three spots.
Madeline Yungblut of Wroxeter, Ont. claimed second place nine seconds behind the champion, while Gabriela Stafford of Toronto, Ont. nabbed third spot after crossing the finish line in 14 minutes, 25 seconds.
The world championships in Poland is next on the slate for Forsey.
But, not before a break to rest her weary bones.
