Stevies ahead of the rest of NZ

THE fastest girl in the country lives in Masterton.
Stevie Paine, 12, of Masterton Intermediate School, came first in her age group at the New Zealand interschool cross-country competition in Hanmer Springs on Wednesday.
Her win helped the Wellington cross-country team to a win over the other regions in the country, and earned her two gold medals, for the individual and the team.
Stevie had already won a Wairarapa and a Wellington regional competition to qualify.
She is a dedicated runner, training five days a week under personal trainer Mark Hamill-Harris, in a group of about 15, including her two older sisters and younger brother.
Stevie trains every day except Monday and Friday.
The workouts involve long-distance running, running up and down hills, and "strideouts" big, long, sweeping, running steps.
"We do all sorts."
Sometimes running for Masterton Athletics Club, Stevie's favourite events are the 800m and 1500m.
Clearly chuffed with her win, Stevie is now looking forward to the next level again, the Pacific Games next year.