KYLE McIntosh has just had a memorable month of running wearing the green and gold.

The Emerald Beach athlete represented Australia at both the Virtus Oceania Asia Games in Brisbane, and the Virtus World Cross Country Championships in San Diego.

The events are for elite athletes with an intellectual impairment, with McIntosh competing in the T20 classification.

The 28-year-old came away from the Virtus Oceania Asia Games with two silver medals in the 1500m and 5km events.

Just days after his medal-winning performances in Brisbane, McIntosh travelled to the USA to compete in the Virtus World Cross Country Championships in San Diego.

He continued his stellar form against a top-class international field, finishing sixth in the Short Course event and ninth in the Long Course event.

He was also part of the Australian team which finished fourth in the Short Course Men’s Team event.

As well as representing Australia, the elite runner was given the honour of being the flag bearer at the opening ceremony in San Diego.

McIntosh said not only was it an honour to wear the green and gold, it also helped his performance.

“It means a lot to wear the green and gold as it’s special,” he said.

“Every time I wear the green and gold it makes me run faster, and it’s a big honour to run for your country.”

The international runner described the calming nature of his chosen sport.

“I just like running because it takes your mind off things, and it helps me relax as you don’t have time to think about anything else,” he said.

“It’s good for the mind and it keeps me calm.”

After top results in recent international events, looked to continue to represent his country at the biggest meets.

“I have the 2023 World Cross Country Championships coming up in Ballarat in February,” he said.

“Then the Virtus Global Games in France in June, and then I hope to make the 2024 Paralympics in Paris.”

By Aiden BURGESS