We had a 6-strong contingent of Owairaka athletes at this year's Jennian Homes NZ Track & Field Championships (aka Nationals). This is the big one for senior (grades U16 and up) track and field athletes, and it was fantastic to see a strong contingent repping Auckland and the club at the Caledonian Ground in Dunedin.
It's a great experience to compete at Nats - especially for our younger athletes. You're at the same meet as some of NZ's Olympic stars - it's pretty cool to watch them warming up, run into them in the call room and then see them up close, performing in their events.
Dunedin threw everything at the athletes, weather wise, but even when the rain was wet and cold, the competition was hot.
Laura Fernandez made her debut in the Owai singlet, placing 3rd in the senior women's 3000m steeplechase.
Our under 16s and under 18s were all selected for the Auckland team, after meeting performance standards at competitions earlier in the season
In the under 18s, Timo had a full programme of running, jumping and hurdling events. He made finals in the 300m hurdles, and followed up his 2024 U16 steeplechase win bu taking out the U18 national title - nice double!
Peggy came third in the U18 400m, leaving everything on the track (including some skin!) and anchored Auckland's 4 x 400m to a convincing win.
Annah did all the U16 jumps - long/high/triple. The definite highlight was jumping an impressive 11.35 in the triple jump - not bad for a 13 year old!
Isabelle showed great consistency and form in her high jumping.
And Rory topped the Owai medal table, coming home with a gold, silver and bronze across his three events - the U16 4x400, 800m and 1500m.
Congratulations to you all - first Nats for a few of you, but unlikely to be your last with performances like those. We're so proud of you.
Full results
Timo MacDonald
MU18 300m hurdles 42.67 6th
MU18 400m 54.36
MU18 2000m steeplechase 6:41.02 - 1st
MU18 3000m 9:37.51
MU18 Triple jump 11.51m 7th
Laura Fernandez
Women’s 3000m steeplechase 11:30.84 - 3rd
Peggy Taylor
WU18 200m 26.73
WU18 400m 58.59 - 3rd
WU18 4x100 relay 5th
WU18 4x400 relay - 1st
Rory Davies
MU16 800m 2:05.00 - 2nd
MU16 1500m 4:22.86 - 3rd
MU16 4x400 relay - 1st
Annah Bratton
WU16 High jump 1.45m
WU16 Long jump 5.26m 5th
WU16 Triple jump 11.35m - 2nd
Isabelle Brunton
WU16 High jump 1.50m 5th
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