The 12-year-old will head north to Cairns early next month for the Australian All Schools Championships where she will enter the 400 metre event as a genuine medal contender. 

The Lake Illawarra High School student is in impressive form, having set a new state record in her victory in the girls 13 years 400m final at the NSW Championships.

Ezeoke also finished fourth in the 200m and shot put and sixth in the 100m. 

“It felt really good to win the 400 at state, because I’ve worked hard for it,” Ezeoke said. “But I didn’t expect to run that fast.

“I’m just hoping to run another PB at nationals.”

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Ezeoke’s achievements is that at 12-years-old, she is a year younger than her rival competitors. 

She concedes it has been challenging racing against girls older than her, but as her results show, she’s thriving at the increased level of competition.

“It’s pretty tough, because they’re pretty quick, but they also push me, which is really good.”

Lake Illawarra principal Tony Hicks said the entire school community will be supporting Ezeoke in her attempt to claim a national medal. 

“I think every school would dream of having someone like Chelsea in the school,” Hicks said. “Even though she’s in year seven, I think she’s a role model to a lot of kids.

“Chelsea probably isn’t aware of that, but a lot of people look up to the achievements that she’s managed this year and we’re very, very proud of her.”

Should she continue to work hard at training, Hicks has no doubt Ezeoke can achieve her dream of one day running at the Olympics.

“I hope Chelsea achieves her goals and I hope she sticks with it.

“She’s got all the natural ability in the world and I think she can go places. She just needs to keep that dedication going.”