Two Columba athletes have been gaining great momentum on the running track over recent months, and as the NZSS National Athletics Championships draw near, hopes are high for these two talented runners.

Students Rachael Turner (Year 12) and Faith Courtney (Year 10) have been impressive throughout the year, with both athletes making big strides on the running track. Rachael and Faith have improved on their personal best track times (PBs) in preparation for the upcoming NZ Secondary Schools Track, Field and Road Race Championships. The Championships are to be held in Tauranga from 11-13 December, and no doubt will be the pinnacle event for many secondary school athletes after an extremely disrupted 2020 pandemic year. 

The club athletics season restarted recently with Faith and Rachel competing in the senior Inter Club Competitions each Saturday since October. Both athletes are members of the Hill City University Athletics Club. Faith has just moved up into Senior Club level in the U15 category this season. 

The girls had a two day club meet at the Caledonian Ground recently, held in collaboration with the South Island Masters Competition. In the 800m track run, both Rachael and Faith achieved times and placings highlighting their steady progress across the year. Knowing the determination and commitment of both these students, their focus will now be turned to improving on these times even further in preparation for the upcoming National Track & Field event.

Faith finished 2nd in the Women’s U15 category with a new PB time of 2:36.13 mins, taking 7 seconds off her previous best time (achieved at the Otago Children’s Club Championships in March where she placed 1st). Rachael came home in first place in the tightly contested race, with a time of 2.25.01 mins for the 800m. These are both fantastic results and a great start to the season. 

Faith has also recently taken 3 seconds off her 400m time, and both girls will have gained much confidence after their latest performances as they track towards the NZ Secondary Schools Championships. Rachael will be competing in the 800m and 4km road race, while Faith will feature in the 400m and 800m races.

Rachael and Faith train consistently throughout the year with coach Mike Weddell, and their commitment and dedication to the sport of running should be highly commended. Keep up the great work, girls! Columba College and the Sports Department wishes you both the best of luck for the upcoming National Championships.