Both of the Harden teens flew into Sydney at 7.30am on Thursday morning and as can be imagined they were quite jet-lagged, but excitement family waiting for them at the airport.

Jesse 14, the son of Simon and Felicity and brother to Taleah had an awesome experience as did Emma 15, the daughter of Robert and Alison. 

The Murrumburrah High School students said they had a great time meeting new friends from all over the world, enjoyed competing against athletes from the other countries and would recommend it to anyone else who gets the chance to go.

“I found the coaches to be really good, it was ultra professional and I feel that my running has improved a lot with the advice that I was given over there, said Jesse.

In a nice welcome to the upcoming expected hot weather in Harden, Jesse and Emma had to deal with oppressive 40 degree heat on most days.

“There were a few people who were passing out, so we had to stay well hydrated at all times” said Jesse who performed exceptionally well coming third in the first race, 12^th in the second race and 24^th in the third race which is outstanding especially considering he was doing battle with approximately 300 competitors from age 14-18 in all the races.

“Overall I had a really good trip. It was the experience of a lifetime. I really loved it and would recommend it to anyone else who gets the chance to go.” said Jesse.

Apart from having a reasonably full running program, both students were able to take in a few sights while there including seeing the lights of Las Vegas as well the Meteor Crater just out of Las Vegas. They also took in the Grand Canyon and the Hoover Dam.

According to Emma, she also found the voyage to be most fruitful.

“It was a great experience, and I was happy enough with the way I ran, but it was pretty overwhelming with all the tourist attractions, and our first race was in dirty Moapa Valley which is in a bit of a desert. It’s also good to be home”, she said.

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