A huge congratulations to Albany Senior High School Year 11 student, Atiria Hotere Thompson and her Waka Ama team ‘Team Tiare’, who have just returned from an incredible campaign at the 2022 IVF World Va’a Sprint Championships in London.

With her team, Atiria won:

• Gold medal in W12 J16 Women's 500m sprint

• Gold medal in W6 J16 Women's 500m sprint

• Silver medal in W6 J16 Women's 1000m sprint

• Silver medal in W12 J19 Women's 500m sprint

Atiria has been training 10 times a week for the last 10 months. Through this commitment she has built a strong work ethic, learnt to set high standards, and work relentlessly towards her goal. Her resilience has grown from being part of such a supportive team. It was an amazing experience for everyone involved, and a highlight was performing Haka tautoko for the many teams from Aotearoa who stood on the podium.