Manaia Bremner

I started running at the ripe age of 5 years old, competing in local parkruns.  However, I started training consistently in Year 3, competing in the Little Athletics at regionals and winning the 800m.  We booked the trip to Melbourne to compete at my first state titles, where I would place 9th.  I was ecstatic and excited to see where this sport could take me. 

Unfortunately, later that year, COVID hit, and all races were cancelled.  On the bright side, this gave me more time to improve and stay consistent for the upcoming season.  In Year 4, I nabbed a 6th-place finish at state cross country, earning a spot at nationals, where I placed 15th.  In Year 5, I achieved my first state medals, finishing 3rd in the 800m and 2nd in the 1500m.  This motivated me and made me hungry for more. The following year, I raced at my first Athletics Victoria State titles and made the national team for the 1500m and 800m.  That year, I also ran at the All Schools cross country nationals and finished 10th.  I also joined SWAS that year, which contributed to my success. 

Unfortunately, for most of 2025, I was incredibly ill for the first half of the season.  I was able to bounce back and start training for cross-country, winning many XCR competitions and placing 4th at state.  I'm training hard and being consistent for the upcoming 2026 athletics season.  The main reason for all my successes is the support I have around me, like my Mum, who has been coaching me throughout my life, and SWAS, who have supported me.  I want to win a national title and compete at the Olympics.  Running is hard, but that's what I like about it.  I love how you feel after a hard effort or when you give it your all in a race.