Description
Hi, I’m Andres Hernandez and I am 15 years old. I have been selected to represent NZ at the 2018 World Cross Country Championships in Paris. It has always been a dream of mine to travel overseas and represent NZ!
In September 2011, my family and I moved from Spain to Christchurch, NZ in search of a better education for my brother and I, and a more multicultural environment for our family. I started off my sporting journey in Christchurch, NZ with 5 years of football and was privileged to be involved with NZ Football for 3 of these years. I thoroughly enjoyed football but had a burning passion for Athletics and running soon became my thing. I started investing more of my time into cross country and in year 8, I was placed 2nd in NZ. Later on, throughout high school, I began to compete in the South Island Track and Field Championships and won the 3000m event for 3 years in a row. At this point in time, I was faced with a difficult decision of having to choose between football and athletics as my workload in year 11 was gradually increasing. I decided to focus on athletics and invest a great amount of time and energy into the sport that I really loved! As a result of this, I went on to win the 3000m and the 1500m events in the South Island Champs. I am currently ranked number 1 for these 2 events and 2nd in the 800m event for Canterbury. This season I also won the Canterbury U-18 Cross Country and U-18 Road Race. I came 2nd in the U-16 NZ Cross Country and placed 4th in the NZ Road Race.
My biggest goal is to travel to Paris, France next year in April to represent NZ. However, I will only be able to do so if I am able to receive enough support and raise $6000. This is a huge amount of money for my family as only one of my parents is able to work.
I love NZ and I want to return everything good that I receive from it. I also wish to apply for a NZ passport next year and would love to represent NZ in the Olympic games someday.
I really need your help to get to Paris next year. Any support that you could give would be accepted with sincere gratitude.
Thank you for taking the time to listen to my story.
Andres
