Young athletes fly the flag

Marlborough’s junior athletes tasted success far and wide during the holiday break.

Two athletes attended the North Island Colgate Games in Auckland, then a larger contingent ventured to Dunedin for the South Island Colgate Games a week later.

Two medals were claimed at the Auckland event, Ryleigh Gale bagging silver in the 14 girls 80m hurdles in a new Marlborough record time of 12.75, and Chloe Cook placing second in the 12 girls 100m sprint.

Ryleigh went one better at the South Island Colgates, winning gold in the hurdles. She was joined on top of the podium by Greta Foote, who won the 10 girls high jump, while the girls 14 4 x 100m relay team comprising Ryleigh, Leia Shaw, Jaye Wiapo and Hannah Harper also claimed gold.

Greta added a silver in the 100m, while Leia was second in both the 13 girls 400 and 200m events.

Bronze medals were won by Jaye (14 girls discus), Greta (long jump and 400m), Hannah (Hannah Harper 14 girls shot put), Cullum Rayner (14 boys 1500m),

Honor McKenzie (10 girls 800m) and the 14 girls medley crew of Hannah, Cullum, Jaye, Ryleigh and Jake Clark.

Pennants were awarded to the top performing young athletes.

Taylor Rayner was first in the discus, long jump and 200m, second SP and 4 x 100. Reeva MacDonald won the discus, long jump, 100m and 200m while second in SP and 4 x 100. Ollie Gaudin was top in discus, long jump, 100m and 200m, second in SP and 4 x 100. Denver Hart won the discus, 200m and long jump and placed second in SP and 4 x 100. Tommy Campbell was second in long jump, discus and 200m while Kane Haronga also placed second in 60m, long jump, 200m, 100m and discus. Mackenzie Wallace placed third at 200m and long jump.