The Columba College Ski team competed in the Otago-Southland Ski Championships recently and had a fabulous day on the slopes!

On Monday 9th August, the Columba ski team travelled to Cardrona to compete in the Otago-Southland Secondary Schools Ski and Snowboard Champs. Year 13 students, Gemma O'Donnell and Mary Gavin, paired up with Anise Maclean (Year 11), and Arabella Boaden-Trotter (Year 9), to compete in the teams event and had a superb day together. Competing against schools from across the Otago region, the girls enjoyed a great day, and even got the bonus of some fresh snow!

Parent manager Lyndell Boaden (Arabella's Mum), said that it was one of the coldest days she had ever experienced on a mountain in NZ. The initial hurdle of having to use chains to get up the mountain had to be overcome before racing even began. The races started later than expected with some events cancelled but luckily the Columba event was still on. The team were quite nervous but ended up performing brilliantly and were all very happy with their runs.

Their impressive performance resulted in 3rd place overall in the teams category, with the girls achieving some excellent individual placings. In the women's ski category, Gemma O'Donnell achieved 4th place with only 0.13 seconds the difference to a podium finish, Mary Gavin came in 8th, Anise Maclean 11th and Arabella Boaden-Trotter 15th. These are all fantastic results in a large field of competitors. 

Overall it was a wonderful day for the team, and everyone is looking forward to next year already. It was a highlight to witness the girls bonding together so well and looking out for each other. Adults accompanying our team were impressed with the attitude and support shown by the Columba girls. What a great bunch of young women - a real credit to their families and Columba. 

Special thanks to Lyndell Boaden, John Gavin and Rafe Maclean who were outstanding in their support and encouragement of Columba. Thank you for your support of the team on the course, and for helping them warm up.

Anyone interested in becoming part of the Columba Ski team for next year, please get in touch with one of our ski students. They would love to hear from you!