Bay athletes come up gold at NZ champs

Last week’s New Zealand Athletics Championships saw Bay of Plenty Polytechnic High Performance Sports Scholars race away with a plethora of medals.

Defending champion Joseph Millar, 21, achieved his coveted triple-double, becoming just the second New Zealander to win three consecutive senior men's 100m and 200m titles.

Joseph will contest the Australian championships this weekend in a final attempt to run a Commonwealth Games qualifying time in the 100m and 200m.

17 year old Abby Goldie won gold in the 100m, 200m and 4 x 100m, while fellow Bachelor of Sport & Recreation student Amy Robinson won gold in the 400m hurdles, long jump, both relays and a silver medal in the 200m.

Not to be outdone, graduate Michael Cochrane also retained his national title over the 110 hurdles comfortably winning gold and, in the best race of the day, was narrowly beaten by Cameron French in the 400m hurdles to come away with a silver medal.

Peter Sommers, Group Leader Sport & Recreation at the Polytechnic, was extremely proud of the students’ efforts.

“I’m delighted that these young people are performing at such a high level both on and off the field,” says Peter. “They’re inspirational to other athletes who wish to successfully balance a high-level sports career with academic studies. I’m looking forward to hearing more results from the Australian Championships.”