Daughter beats Mum’s 30-year-old record

Setting records clearly runs in the family.

Otago Girls’ High School year 9 student Eva McLean, 13, yesterday broke a 30-year-old school record previously held by her mother.

She finished the 1500m race in 5min 6sec at the school’s sports day at the Caledonian.

That time was 13sec faster than that of her mother Taryn McLean (nee McLeod).

Eva said all she wanted was to beat her mother’s record, but ended up running a personal best as well.

"I’m pretty proud. It’s my first year at [Otago Girls’], so I’m pretty happy to have a record."

She was definitely feeling the pressure coming into the race.

"Everyone knew the record was my mum’s and, since I run too, they’re like ‘Oh, I’ll be watching you beat your mum’s record’."

Mrs McLean said she did not mind losing the record — as long as it was to her daughter.

"If it’s going to go to anyone, it might as well be Eva."