Ayoung Mount Gambier cyclist has ridden to success, medalling at her first national competition in Queensland.


Molly Opperman, 13, claimed bronze in the U15 Women’s Match Sprint at the 2024 AusCycling Junior Track National Championships at the Anna Meares Velodrome in Brisbane.


Opperman also placed fourth in the 400m Sprint which comprised two laps of the velodrome completed as fast as possible compared to the single lap of the Match Sprint.


The youngster is a member of the Mount Gambier Cycling Club and the Limestone Coast Regional Sporting Academy.


Opperman was awarded a grant from the Australian Sports Commission’s Local Sporting Champions Program to assist her with the cost of travel, accommodation, uniforms or equipment.


The young gun was coached at nationals by Kerran Oates, Josh Harrison, Shay Thomas, Luke White, Shelby Johnson and Matt Schmidt.


Opperman’s mother Tina said her daughter’s unexpected success was especially amazing considering she was the youngest in her age group at only 12 years old at the time of the competition.


“It is a big achievement, some people missed out and our tiny little Mount Gambier club had five representatives in the juniors representing our club and our state,” she said.


Opperman said she was proud to represent South Australia at the national competition and hopes to be back competing there next year.


Opperman podiumed in each of her five events at the AusCycling South Australian State Championships last December and also took out bronze last month in the U15 Girls Victorian State Kierin in Melbourne at the Bell Helmets Track Day.