EDEN Seckold-Bamford is looking to cap off a stellar year.
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The grade 4 pupil at Scottsdale Primary School will be representing Tasmania at the national cross-country championships in Melbourne at the end of the month.
Eden, 10, will take part in the two-kilometre race, and has the chance of making a four-person relay.
Dad Trev Bamford said Eden had always loved running, but only in the past year had started to take it seriously.
"Last year we found out that she has a really good talent for it," Mr Bamford said.
A summer session with Little Athletics and a little extra training only further proved her abilities.
In her first year of competitive athletics, Eden set a new state record time in the under-10 girls' Tasmanian Little Athletics 1500-metre track championship, among other accolades.
At the national championships she will be pitting herself against the best of the best.
"There will be young Olympians there ... to be part of that dynamic is going to give her a depth of inspiration," Mr Bamford said.
He said Eden and the family had been stirred by the support offered to them by the school community and from their home town of Bridport.
"People in the street are saying 'good on you' and 'good luck', it's been really great," Mr Bamford said.
Eden's big race is on Saturday, August 29.
To fund her four-day nationals experience, the Bamford family has started a crowdfunding campaign to help cover the $2300-odd cost of the associated flights, accommodation, uniform and fees.
To donate to Eden's crowdfunding campaign, click here