Q&A: The latest in a long line of Southland jumps medallists
What made a now 15-year-old Southlander take up such highly technical events and what was her reaction to medalling at her first national championship outing? We put it to her.
Sign up to get The Southland Tribune sent direct to your email inbox.
The horizontal jumps must surely be Southland’s most successful athletics event.
In the past decade at least 12 Southlanders have won New Zealand championship titles in long and triple jumps, earning 65 national medals and 23 international medals between them (there maybe more).
Then there are at least another seven who have won silver and bronze medals without taking out a title.
So, when Sara Aynsley collected two jumps medals (LJ silver, TJ bronze) at the recent New Zealand Championships, both in massive PB’s, she was continuing a tradition of jumps achievements.
Her school, Gore High (now Maruawai College) has added to the tradition – past pupils Jade Graham, Sean Pay and Andrew Allan have all been crowned national triple jump champion.
(The 2024 NZ champs were good for Southland - as well as Sara’s two medals Ollie Davis won LJ gold and Connor Gilliland TJ silver.)
What made a now 15-year-old take up such highly technical events and what was her reaction to medalling at her first national championship outing? We put it to her.
What got you started?
My PE teacher at school Jonell suggested I take up training for triple jump after athletics day at school.
How long have you been doing athletics?
I started training with a coach (Lance) last year when I was 14.
What other sports do you do and how do they affect your training?
I’ve been playing hockey since I was 5 years old. Hockey helps me keep fit over the winter.
What have been your best moments athletically?
Firstly, when I won gold in the Secondary Schools South Island competition last year. Secondly, when I got a bronze medal in triple jump and a silver medal in long jump at the National Champs in Wellington this year, both PB’s.
What’s your favorite event and training session?
Triple jump. I enjoy the training session when we have to jump over a hurdle in the pit, because it’s a good challenge and real fun. It helps my jumps by getting more air.
Tell us about your coach.
Lance Smith. He has taught me a lot. He helps me reach my goals.
How has your family helped your athletics journey?
They are my biggest supporters. My parents and siblings encourage me and drive me to training and events.
What’s next for you in athletics?
My aim is to reach 11 meters with triple jump within the next season and I am hoping to get a medal at the next SSSC in both long jump and triple jump.
What is the best part of athletics?
It is an individual sport so I can aim to better myself, but we have a great group of athletes, and we all encourage each other, and we are all great friends.