CBHS athletes perform well at the Oceania Athletics Championships
Three of our Boys’ High athletes have just returned to school after a week away in Fiji at the Oceania Athletics Championships. Cooper Wightman, Hunter Scott and Bill Quigley represented New Zealand at Under 18 level. All three learnt a lot from the trip and enjoyed the opportunity to mix with other top New Zealand athletes.
Cooper Wightman continued his rivalry with top Australian middle distance runner Daniel Williams. The two met in both the 800m and the 1500m. Tuesday’s 1500m proved a tactical affair, with the action only really firing up over the last 200m. It was only in the last 50m, that Williams came away for the victory in 3.59.44, with Wightman a close second in 4.00.02. In Friday’s 800m, the pair drew away from their rivals at the start of the second lap. Again, the young Australian proved too strong, easing away over the last 200m to take the win in 1.50.37, from Wightman 1.52.75. To be so competitive with the impressive Aussie speaks volumes about Wightman’s ability. International competitions such as these will be invaluable for his future endeavours. Two silver medals at this level is an impressive result.
Hunter Scott contested the 200m, 400m and two relays. Scott should be pleased about getting through the finals in both events against such hot competition. After being outside his best in the 400m final – 50.61, Scott ran an amazing race in the final of his favoured 200m, to take the bronze medal, recording a sharp 22.33 into a strong headwind. He then earned a bronze medal as part of the 4 x 100m team before taking a gold medal in his final race as part of the New Zealand Under 18 Mixed team. This team set a new, New Zealand record in the process. This completes a fantastic 2023-2024 season for Scott who will need put in the hard work ahead of the New Zealand Secondary Schools Athletics in Timaru at the end of the year.
Bill Quigley was part of the throwing team, competing in the Hammer Throw and Javelin. A promising thrower who shows huge potential in his favoured Hammer Throw, Quigley also performed well on the trip. In the Hammer Throw, he was just outside his personal best with a throw of 42.31m to finish 5th, while in the Javelin he was placed 11th after throwing 42.24m. Quigley loved the experience of the trip, including the quality of the coaching that he received while away. He is another driven for a big finish to his Year 13 at this year’s schools’ Nationals.
