Q&A: The sporting love that started with a bribe and ended up with national success

"My dream is to go to the Commonwealth Games in 2034 when they are in NZ and maybe win some more national titles."

Talented Southland athlete Abby Boyle, 14, in action.

At the tender age of 14 Abby O’Boyle has collected three national championship medals, not to mention her Colgate Games medals.

At last year’s NZ cross country champs in Taupo she finished second in the U14 race, then at this year’s track & field champs she dominated the U16 steeplechase and finished with a blistering burst to snatch bronze in the 800m.

And the 2023 Colgate Games gave her wins in the high jump, 800m and 1500m. Quite a record for someone barely in her teens.

For now, she is a teenager that just happens to be good at athletics.

This was her comments after her appearance at a national track & field championship: “It’s a great atmosphere you really get the taste of bigger and more challenging meets. I got the opportunity to compete against girls older and pushed me more than what I usually do, that will help me become better athlete. I watched older more experienced athletes and saw what they do and watching the Olympic and Commonwealth games athletes was super awesome.”

A rather mature outlook for a 14-year-old.

How far will all this talent take her? Who knows. What does it mean to her? We asked.

What got your started?

I started when I was about 6 or 7 when Dad took me to a give-it-a-go meet. I hated it but he ended up bribing me with a lego set to keep going (thankfully) and for the first year or so he would by a muffin or ice cream after a training. But after a while, I started enjoying it and the bribes stopped.

What other sports? How do they affect your running (or vice versa)?

I play netball, volleyball and basketball mainly and I would say it’s really good for my running because it keeps me fit, but sometimes they clash which is not good.

What have been your best moments in athletics?

Probably the last Colgate games I got two new PBs and was very close to a third. Another good moment was when I jumped 1.62 which was a huge PB for me. And winning two medals, gold in the steeplechase and bronze in the 800m, at my first national track champs was a buzz.

What are your hopes athletically?

My dream is to go to the Commonwealth Games in 2034 when they are in NZ and maybe win some more national titles.

What’s your favourite event and training sessions?

Favourite event is 800. It’s the event I enjoy the most, it’s also one that I succeed in quite well.

Favourite training sessions are probably high jump, wind sprints and fartlek.

Tell us about your coach and coaching.

My coach is Lance. I’m still learning about all my events and his coaching is great, helping me know more about the skills I need as well as the physical training.

What’s next for you in athletics – your aims for the rest of the season?

My aims are more towards the athletics side with nationals and South Island champs. I am aiming to hit 1.65 in the high jump some point next season and run 2.15 or better in the 800.

What is the best part of athletics?

Definitely going away for competitions like Colgates or Nationals. It pushes me more when there’s faster competition. I also love being able to run with my friends and compete with them, and I love the support I receive from my friends and family.