In a recent long distance skating competition in Timaru, Year 11 student Holly Ward was the only female to finish the 100km race. Well done Holly!

Sixteen year old Holly Ward has been an avid speed skater since the age of eight. While Covid-19 interrupted her plans to be competing at the World Skate Oceania Speed Championships earlier this year, she has continued in her rigorous training regime which has clearly paid off in her recent victory.

Not only did Holly win the Girls section of the 100km speed skate marathon, she was also the only female to finish the race, coming in with a time of 3h 39m 48s and staying close to the leading men until well into the race. 

Holly's goal was to complete the 100km and she was determined to push through any pain barriers with sore knees or feet. At the end of the race, her feet may have been swollen but having accomplished her goal, she was more than satisfied with her phenomenal achievement. Way to go Holly!