Last weekend, Columba College achieved amazing results at the 2021 Aerobics Nationals.

This National event was scheduled to take place in Wellington on the 6th and 7th of November, however, due to COVID-19 the event was cancelled and an online event was held in place. This meant that competitors from all regions could film their routines and a live stream was held on the 13th of November to showcase all the routines and announce the awards and placings. Columba gained many medals and high placings from this online event.

The day started off with intermediate pre-choreographed teams, Columba had two teams in this category. Meg Bowmar and Ariana Smith completed an amazing routine, placing 8th. Dani Walker and Cameryn Smith also competed an amazing routine, placing 4th. The next category of the day was the intermediate teams. Columba had three teams in this category all of whom performed amazingly on stage. Lula Joseph and Olivia Wallace placed 5th, Hannah Bloxham and Luciana Brown placed 3rd, Tayla Brough and Ruby Jones placed 2nd. Well done to all the girls placing in this category. The next team category of the day was Novice Teams. Lucy Quill and Josie O’Neill placed 2nd in this category with an awesome routine. The final team category of the day was the Secondary Open Teams, coaches and Aerobics captains Josephine O’Halloran and Olivia Ferris competed placing 2nd overall in their last competition together as a team.

Next to take the virtual stage was fitness teams. Columba was represented in two fitness teams. The Checkered Chicks in intermediate fitness teams who placed 2nd and the 80s Ladies in secondary fitness teams who placed 4th. These fitness teams were representing Columba as well as their respective clubs.

Columba’s final competitor of the day was Lucy Quill in Junior Open Novice individual. Lucy completed an amazing routine, leaving her with the placing of 2nd, an awesome placing in such a tough category.

We would also like to congratulate Meg Cameron, Emily Ward, Ellery Taylor, Sophie Derbyshire, India Dougherty and Sabi Taylor who all qualified for nationals but were unable to compete due to various reasons.

Lastly, in May this year, two of New Zealand’s Sport Aerobics athletes were selected to represent New Zealand at the 2021 FISAF World Championships. Unfortunately, Covid-19 has again had an impact on the sporting calendar, and the ability of athletes to travel to the event. In response to the impacts of Covid-19, FISAF has announced a new online competition which will run alongside the 2021 FISAF World Championships.

The Nationals judging panel has selected Jo and Olivia to be an NZCAF representative and be a representative in the 2021 FISAF New Zealand Team. Jo and Olivia will be competing in the FISAF Senior Duos category and will submit a video entry as the FISAF worlds competition is also being held online.

Overall, the 2021 Aerobics Nationals event has been a very positive and successful event for Columba with some amazing results and many medals. These girls will now be looking at training for the 2022 session to improve their results even further.