A strong day in the athletics stadium and in the pool has put New Zealand on top of the Commonwealth Youth Games medal table following three days of competition.
New Zealand’s swimmers added 6 medals, including 4 gold, on their second day in the pool. Mya Rasmussen earned the first podium and set a New Zealand age group record to win gold in the women’s 400m individual medley. Lewis Clareburt from Wellington then followed suit, also setting a New Zealand age group record to win gold in the men’s final of the same event.
Finn Kennard-Campbell made it three golds when he won the men’s 50m backstroke. Latictia Transom then took out silver in the 100m freestyle and Ciara Smith won bronze in the 50m breaststroke.
The 4x200m relay team of Zac Reid, Lewis Clareburt, Chelsey Edwards and Laticia Transom closed proceedings with yet another gold.
“It was another awesome day, we’re feeling great and we have even more strong events to compete in tomorrow,” Zac said.
“It was such a cool feeling to be up there with so many Kiwi’s getting photos with our medals at the end of the day.”
In the stadium the track and field athletes made a strong start to their campaign. Discus thrower Connor Bell from Auckland was in a class of his own from the outset, following a 61metre throw with one of more than 63metres. Only rival James Tomlinson from Wales managed to throw past the 60m mark. Bell’s winning throw of 63.17m easily earning him the gold.
“I’ve focussed a lot on the process in the buildup to this, not worrying about others but looking at myself and what I needed to do and that’s really what helped me to come out on top today,” said Connor.
“Once it hit me and I knew I’d won it was awesome, I was feeling really energetic, really happy.”
Bell is coached by New Zealand Olympic great Dame Valerie Adams.
Above: Connor Bell prepares to throw the discus
In the women’s 1500m Katrina Robinson ran a smart and steady race to take out the bronze medal. It was a tight finish with Robinson managing to move from 4th to 3rd with only 50metres to go.
“I got boxed in a little at one point but I was pretty happy with the race and definitely pleased with a medal,” Katrina said.
In the ring Shylah Waikai showed discipline and was clinical to out box her opponent from Mozambique for a unanimous victory. The win sees the under 51kg fighter progresses to the semi-finals, meaning she’s now guaranteed a medal.
Teammate Kyle Chen was composed as he beat his Welsh opponent. He too progresses to the semi-finals and is also guaranteed a medal.
The women’s beach volleyball team of Ella Akkerman from Tauranga and Jasmine Milton from Whangarei took on tournament heavyweights England in a thrilling quarter final match.
The pair won the first set 21-16 and lost the second 13-21 to force a third and deciding set. The score was tied at 10-all in a nail biting finish but New Zealand put the pressure on and forced mistakes to win 15-11.
“We worked so well with each other, we really had each others backs and we played aggressively and kept tough the entire way,” Jasmine said.
“It was amazing, it feels so great, we’re on cloud nine right now”.
The women will play Scotland in tomorrow’s semi-final.
The men’s team went down to a fired up Cyprus side. Keegan Joe from New Plymouth and Tyran Gillespie from Rotorua lost the first set 22-24, won the second 21-18 but were unable to hold on in the third losing 10-15. They now play off for placings outside of the medals.
Medal tally: Gold x8, Silver x3, Bronze x4
See below for video interview with gold medallist Connor Bell
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsWVyEDwTtI&feature=youtu.be