IT has been said that sports don't build character, they reveal it.
And it would be true to say the demanding cross-country championships at Waiouru revealed a group of determined boys and girls who were prepared to work through discomfort.
Cross country is a demanding sport especially on tough courses and, although there is a definite team component, ultimately athletes have to rely on their own personal resources and determination.
A good training background helps but in the final analysis it is up to each individual and they can't rely on anyone else to help.
The sport does not have the glamour of triathlon and some other endurance-based activities but because of the nature of the sport triathletes tend to do well and as running is such a vital component of triathlon they benefit from such participation.