From Canberra to SOPAC: Chris & Ellie Step Up at NSW Opens

Sometimes, Running Excellence isn’t built in perfect conditions.
It’s built in the decisions you make when things aren’t ideal.

Yesterday afternoon, Chris Valzano and Ellie B did exactly that.

After a full day of commitments — Chris studying at ANU and Ellie working through to early afternoon — the pair packed the car and made the drive from Canberra to Sydney, lining up at SOPAC for their first ever NSW Open Championships appearance in the 400m.

Not textbook preparation.
But very real life.

And that’s what made what followed so impressive.

Stepping Up to the Open Stage

Both athletes are in their first season of track and field, yet chose to test themselves against open-level competition — a step that says a lot about their mindset.

No taper.
No ideal lead-in.
Just commitment, trust, and the willingness to compete.

Performance Under Pressure

They delivered.

• Chris Valzano – 55.13s (PB)
• Ellie B – 1:03.85

Chris broke through with a new personal best, continuing a strong upward trend.
Ellie showed resilience and composure, backing up her recent training with another solid performance.

These aren’t just times — they’re markers of progress built week after week.

More Than a Race

What stands out isn’t just the stopwatch.

It’s the consistency of improvement.

Month by month, both Chris and Ellie have been getting faster — learning how to train, how to compete, and how to handle the demands of the event.

This trip wasn’t convenient.
It wasn’t easy.
But it mattered.

Because this is what development looks like.

What Comes Next

With the summer season nearly complete, there’s one race left at Summer Series next week.

And this time — no long drive, no rushed preparation.

Just a full week, a familiar environment, and momentum.

If their progression so far is anything to go by,
next Thursday is set up for something special.

Running Excellence

Running Excellence isn’t about perfect preparation.

It’s about showing up anyway.
It’s about backing yourself.
It’s about progress — one race at a time.

Chris and Ellie are doing exactly that.