Following an ankle injury, Brennan was spending her time at the physiotherapist instead of participating in various meets organized by the Minor Track Association in the summer of 2007.

Six months later, she was healed and came out strong on the track, ready to win. Putting her best foot forward at the Hamilton-Wentworth District Separate School Board meet, she crossed the finish line with record times in the 200 and 400-metre, and long jump competition in the preliminary round. The student qualified to participate in the City Championships where she took home three first-place finishes.

Continuing with her weekly three-hour training with the Burlington Track Club, Brennan kept attaining new personal bests. In July, she participated in the Minor Track Association championships where she competed against girls who were one year older than her.

"They (the girls) are a lot taller and older and it makes me nervous at the beginning," explained Brennan of competing against older participants. But at the sound of the whistle, her nerves disappear and the runner sets off for the finish line.

At the MTA championship event, Brennan took home a gold medal in the 400-metre race with a record time of 59.8 seconds. Her 4.67-metre long jump also earned her a first-place finish.

Although disappointed by her performance in the 200-metre race, Brennan's time at a meet one week earlier was still faster than the 200-metre gold winner that day.

"I was happy I got my personal best in the 400 and in the long jump," said Brennan with pride, explaining that she was saddened that she slipped at the beginning of the 200-metre race, which resulted in a fourth-place finish.

Originally, Brennan found her knack for running when she was a Grade 3 student at Guardian Angels Catholic Elementary School in Waterdown. Competing at various events over the years, the Waterdown girl has brought home countless medals, which reflect her skills and determination in the sport.

According to her father, Christopher, Brennan's dedication to the sport is by far the most serious she's ever been about athletics. Brennan has tried her hand at gymnastics and soccer, but always continued competing in track.

As for the future, she hopes to make it to the international stage. "I hope to get to the Olympics and represent Canada," she said.

Christopher believes that this is a goal his daughter is very capable of reaching. Aiming for the 2016 Olympics, Brennan will need to train with a more competitive track club.

Her Burlington Track Club coach has offered the Brennan family some valuable advice that will positively serve the aspiring Olympian in her quest for a spot on the podium.

But until then, Brennan will continue following her passion, beating her personal bests and believing in herself.

"You just have to know that you want to do it," said Brennan of her mindset regarding the sport. "You have to want to do it and believe that you can do it."

Brennan will be entering Grade 8 at Guardian Angels School in September. She will train in cross-country with the Burlington Track Club and track and field at the Centre Road educational facility.