The Cross Country Girls team left for IASAS in Taipei feeling they were as prepared as they could be. However after months of grueling practice, and maximum effort from all members of the team, the Panthers returned home in 6th place.

Even with the disappointing placement, the team managed to keep a positive attitude, and look back at IASAS fondly, demonstrating the true spirit of competition.

“I feel like we achieved what we were capable of. We worked hard and all of the runners on our team got personal bests this year. That shows growth and achievement for sure,” coach David Giles commented when asked about the team’s performance at IASAS.  

This year the competition was strong, with Taipei American School finishing as the champions, and Singapore American School coming in second. When asked about ISB’s final placing, coach Giles said “the final results were not great, but our individual growth as runners makes me proud. I left a bit sad at the 6th place result but so proud of how the girls carried themselves, ran hard and had a positive experience. That is inspiring.”

Throughout all of IASAS the team tried their best and showed great sportsmanship, however the moment that stood out to coach Giles the most was the 2 km time trial. “After suffering so badly the day before on

the hilly 5 km.  They all ran their legs off and were jumping around with excitement over their fast races in the 3 km,” explained coach Giles.

The Girls Cross Country team is a perfect example of the fact that IASAS is not all about winning. Even without amazing results, the team managed to have fun, meet new people, and reach their goals. Other teams can take example from this and remember to enjoy IASAS, no matter what the results are.

Marcelina Lekawska