Not only has Mikaela McDonald been selected to compete at the Oceanias next month, she has also gained entry into the World Roller Games in Argentina in October.

Year 10 student Mikaela McDonald started speed skating eight years ago when she was only seven years old. Two years ago she added track cycling in, just because some of her speedskating friends were doing it too. She spends six days a week training for speedskating and two of those days she throws in track cycling as well. 

Last month Mikaela travelled to Australia to represent Nelson and New Zealand in the Australian Inline Speedskating Nationals. She came 4th on the first day in the U18 girls 100 sprint however she then fell ill with covid and was unable to complete the competition.

In spite of that, Mikaela has been selected to represent NZ in inline speed skating at the 2022 Oceania Championships in Timaru in September along with fellow Nayland College student Emily Olthof (Year 9). Mikaela and Emily together form the local speed skating club and regularly train together. 

Hot on the heels of the Oceanias, Mikaela will be one of four students from around Aotearoa to represent New Zealand at the 2022 World Roller Games in Argentina from 24 October to 13 November. While it is her second time competing at the Oceanias, being selected for the Worlds is definitely a first for Mikaela. However, even though it's a little 'scary' heading off to such a big competition, Mikaela is pretty confident in her abilities and current training regime. As she will be away for almost a month she's also hoping to do some sightseeing and exploring while in Argentina. 

When asked what her goals were for the upcoming competitions Mikaela replied, "Well, the World's are just about experience because it's my first year, and Oceanias, I'm just aiming to get a placing."

Her next track cycling event is the National Track Series in Cambridge next month. 

Congratulations on your achievements Mikaela and all the best for your upcoming competitions!

Some of Mikaela's other successes this year:

NZ Inline Speed Skating Bank Track Nationals - Hamilton February 2022

Junior Girls under 18 years

• 1st 500m
• 1st 1000m
• 2nd 200m Time Trial
• 2nd 10 000m Points

National Track Cycling Championships - Cambridge March 2022

Under 17 Girls

• 3rd Sprint
• 3rd Team Sprint
• 5th Elimination
• 5th scratch race