Ready, set,go! Pte Sophie Joynes in training for the Oceanic Games in New Zealand this month. Pte Joynes was selected to represent Australia in the 5000m track event and half marathon. Photo provided by Pte Sophie Joynes

Oceana bound

By Cpl Alisha Carr
THE Australian Army boasts a number of top sportspeople but few have reached a point in their sporting career where they have been selected to represent Australia at an international level.

There are, of course, some who make it to the top – Pte Sophie Joynes, a 21-year-old soldier from 1CSSB, is among these talented few.

Athletics Australia recently selected the Australian National team for the Oceanic Games to be held in Christchurch, New Zealand, over December 12-14 this year.

Pte Joynes was selected to represent Australia in the 5000m track event and half marathon.

Pte Joynes said she had been living in the Northern Territory for some time and was involved in several sporting clubs.

“I am an A-grade boundary umpire in the NTFL and a competitive member of the Darwin Triathlon Club and Darwin Runners Club,” she said.

“My most recent achievements include the NT open female cross-country champion, NT 5000m and 10,000m track champion, 16km Shoal Bay Classic winner and record holder and ADF athletic champion.”

Considering Pte Joynes has been focussing solely on track and long distance running since the start of this year – her background is in triathlons – being selected at an international level so early in her athletics career is a huge achievement.

“I was a bit shocked at first but now I’m extremely excited about the trip. Twenty countries are involved in these games, so I’m a little nervous too.

“I’ve only ever run in one half- marathon too, so to be selected in that event is a good achievement.”

Pte Joynes, also a sub-unit PTI, has a hectic training schedule, training twice daily and notching up about 120km a week on the track.

“I also swim three times a week and do a weights session three times a week.

“I'm just a bit surprised at how quickly it has all happened because I’ve gone straight from state competition to international competition.

“I hope I win a medal!”

Army will publish a follow-up story on Pte Joynes’ experience and achievements at the Oceanic Games early next year.

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