Murgon's next Olympian in the making

WHEN preparing for a big race Richard Bridges runs laps around his family's farm at Windera every day of the week.

This solitary activity has paid off.

The young man won gold at the Cross Country State Championships and gold at the School Sport Australian Cross Country Championships in Hobart.

Most recently, Richard won gold at Australian Championships in the Athletes with Disability T20 U18 Mens Para 800 meters.

It was for this swag of achievements in the face of a disability that Richard was awarded the Pierre de Coubertin Award from the Queensland Olympic Committee.

Along with detailing his wins Richard had to write a short essay explaining how he embodied the Olympic ideals.

The award would not have come about without the help of Richard's teacher Kaye Buchan, who not only nominated him but also helped with the application and gathered letters of support

Richard's brother Daryl is also an accomplished runner with a disability.

They grew up challenging each other and while big brother Daryl used to win every time, Richard has since gotten the better of him.

"He used to be the fastest, but now I am,” Richard said.

The wins have inspired Richard to keep running at a Gympie athletics club after he graduates from High School.

Daryl will join the club as well and they have big ambitions.

"I want to go to the Commonweath Games,” Richard said.