SISS Athletics Championships

On Friday 5th April a team of eight Columba College Athletes travelled up to the Trust Aoraki Track in Timaru, for the South Island Secondary School's Athletics Competition. This event was the last major competition of the 2023-4 season. In attendance and representing Columba College were;

Alexa (Year 13), Melanie & Imogen (Year 12), Lyla and Tila (Year 11), Freya & Sadye (Year 10), and Anna (Year 9). To qualify for this competition the students needed to have placed in the top three at the Otago Athletics Championships, which took place earlier this year, putting them amongst the best athletes in our home region.

The Columba team, expertly Captained by Alexa, fresh from her medal winning exploits at Club Nationals in Wellington last month, were accompanied by their parents (coincidently also their number one fans). Many of the girls compete through the season for different local Otago Athletics Clubs (Ariki, Hill City University and others), so it was wonderful to see them put aside friendly club rivalries and unify together under the banner of Columba College. The weather did not disappoint, with Timaru turning on a warm South Canterbury welcome with three sunny days and near perfect conditions. Our eight athletes competed with distinction across almost all disciplines: sprints, middle and long distance races, jumps and throws. One of the highlights was the 4x100m Relay where three of the girls stepped up from under 14 and under 15 grades, showing immense grit and determination to snatch a superb 3rd place in the U16 Relay! What a stunning effort! 

All in all a thoroughly enjoyable and well run competition, and after their amazing efforts the girls will be enjoying a well earned rest before winter training starts in a few weeks. Thank you to the parents and whānau who attended the competition in support of our athletes, to Team Manager Paul Ferro, and Team Captain Alexa for your incredible support of Columba Athletics. It certainly takes a community, and the Columba athletics community is indeed a special one! Congratulations everyone.

RESULTS:

Alexa (U19 Girls: 3rd Discus; 2nd Javelin; 1st Shot Put)

Melanie (U19 Girls: 6th 3000m)

Imogen (U19 Girls: 3rd Triple Jumps, PB in 200m)

Lyla (U15 Girls: 4th 100m; 4th 200m plus PB; 3rd 4x100m relay)

Tila (U16 Girls: 6th 100m; 6th 200m plus PB; 7th Long Jump; 3rd 4x100m relay)

Freya (U15 Girls: 5th 100m; 6th 200m; 7th Triple Jump; 3rd 4x100m relay)

Sadye (U14 Girls: 3rd 100m plus PB; 2nd 200m plus PB; 6th 400m plus PB; 3rd 4x100m relay). 

Anna (U14 Girls; 9th 1500m)