An outstanding South Canterbury speed skating team has once again asserted its dominance in the sport, securing victory at the national championships for an unprecedented 12th consecutive year. The week-long competition, held in Blenheim, concluded on Sunday with the South Canterbury team clinching an impressive 37 out of 123 titles. Their remarkable performance earned them a total of 190 points in the Unity Trophy competition, leaving Whanganui trailing behind in second place with 124 points, followed by a resurgent Auckland team in third.
Among the standout athletes was Gemma Thornley, who displayed exceptional talent by claiming eight titles in the juvenile girls grade. Shannell Wooding in the masters women category and Callum Sandri in the cadet division both achieved remarkable feat by winning six titles each. Kyla Beveridge secured five titles, while Brayden Teague, Grace Worner, and Lauren Crawford each brought home multiple wins.
The South Canterbury team displayed remarkable teamwork by triumphing in six junior relay events, including the boys and girls 3000m road, 1500m girls and boys track, mixed pair male and female 1200 track, and mixed four male and female 1600m track.
Speaking about the team’s outstanding performance, club spokesman Bill Begg highlighted the dominance of South Canterbury by stating, with our cadet boys and girls and juvenile girls, South Canterbury took out 14 full podiums.
In addition to their impressive medal haul, several individuals from the South Canterbury team received special recognition. Gemma Thornley and Callum Sandri were awarded the championships’ overall aggregate titles, while Keaton Swindells was honored with the Wanganui Speed Award for his commitment and dedication to the sport throughout the year. The Joe Bright Memorial Trophy for outstanding performance in women’s skating was awarded to Gemma Thornley, and Susan Thornley was named volunteer of the year. Brayden Teague, with his astonishing fourth-place finish in the open George Hailes Memorial 10,000m track championship, was presented with the Skating Oscar for the most outstanding performance at the championships.
The final three days of the championships showcased a series of outstanding performances that solidified South Canterbury’s dominance. Notably, Kyla Beveridge set a rare indoor track record in the 800m event, securing a shutout on the podium for South Canterbury. In the junior mixed pairs relay over 1200m, Brayden Teague and Grace Worner emerged victorious, followed by Callum Sandri and Kyla Beveridge in second place.
Throughout the competition, South Canterbury continued to excel, with athletes such as Shannell Wooding, Brayden Teague, and Gemma Thornley securing multiple victories in their respective events. The team’s remarkable success was further highlighted by South Canterbury’s clean sweeps of the podium in various races.
The championships’ final day witnessed intense competition in the 21km half-marathon for juniors and the full 42km marathon for seniors. In the junior girls division, South Canterbury showcased their dominance by leaving six skaters in front after 10 minutes. Ultimately, Grace Worner emerged as the victor, followed closely by Kyla Beveridge and Lauren Crawford.
The junior boys division also saw an impressive display of skill, with Callum Sandri and Brayden Teague leading the pack. In a thrilling race, Sandri managed to outmaneuver Teague, securing the title in his last year as a cadet. Teague, an experienced marathon competitor, will now have to wait until next year to make his mark in Feilding.
The South Canterbury speed skating team’s exceptional performance throughout the championships, coupled with their unwavering dominance over the past 12 years, emphasizes their position as the indisputable rulers of New Zealand speed skating. Their triumphs serve as a testament to their unwavering dedication and skill, solidifying their status as the team to beat in the sport.
