By Staff
RUNNING DOWN UNDER n Peter Davidson had a ball running in Australia. Submitted photo
By Rob Sigler/The Meridian Star
July 26, 2001
With the high school cross-country season just around the corner, going to a cold climate to run doesn't seem to be a wise decision, but when the weather is in Australia, who could pass that up?
Peter Davidson, a cross-country standout at Meridian High School, recently returned from the Gold Coast of the Land Down Under as part of the Mississippi-Alabama contingent that participated in the Down Under International Games.
Due to his achievements on the MHS cross-country team, the junior-to-be was invited by International Sports Specialists, Inc., to be one of the representatives for the state of Mississippi and did so very well.
Davidson participated in two 3.1-mile runs during his two-week stay, finishing fifth overall (16:18) in the first event against all other participating Americans and 16th overall (16:48) when the American team took on a contingent of Australians and New Zealanders
"Both races were run on all dirt terrain and were very muddy in areas," said Davidson. "The courses were very demanding."
The route included very steep hills and 18-inch logs that had to be jumped, according to Davidson. Add the dimension that Australia is in the middle of their winter and the very cold weather also played a factor on the runners.
The trip also included a three-day mini-vacation in Hawaii en route back to Meridian, where Davidson got the chance to enjoy the beautiful beaches, surfing and sightseeing.
Davidson was very thankful for the opportunity to go on the trip, which couldn't have been accomplished without the generous support of family, friends and businesses.
Rob Sigler is sports editor at The Meridian Star. E-mail him at rsigler@themeridianstar.com or call 693-1551 ext. 3235.