Daylight savings made the 6am start challenging but that was nothing on the conditions that greeted us in Invercargill, for the South Island Secondary Schools' Duathlon Championships.

Gusty, gale-force winds, negative windchill and heavy showers were a constant for all competitors, and kept the on-site coffee and soup carts busy. Despite these difficulties our boys performed admirably, all securing podium finishes.

The Under-19 team of Ollie Bixley and Matthew MacDonald started with a gold medal. While amongst a competitive age-group field, there was no other boys team rivals, guaranteeing their success if they survived the 5km run, 20.8km cycle and 2.2 run.

Our only individual at this meeting, Harry Summers, comfortably (or uncomfortably for those watching) claimed second in the Under-14 boys' category.

The Under-16s were the biggest age group and we had two teams representing the School. The White team, with George Hamilton running from the front, held on for second (with his cyclist, Daniel Hayman). The Blue team finishing strongly in the back end of the 15.6km bike and 2.2km run claimed bronze (runner, Jacob Willmott and cyclist, James Howard).

A brave decision by race organisers to run the event and credit must be given to their efforts in giving athletes a memorable day.