Olivia Selemaia, a rising star in New Zealand weightlifting and Hazel Ouwehand, a swimmer with her eyes on the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games podium, have been awarded Yvette Williams Scholarships.
Both athletes represent the future of New Zealand sport and their stories are both compelling and ambitious.
At just 19 years old, Olivia Selemaia is already making waves in the weightlifting world.
A silver medallist in the 71kg junior event at the IWF Junior and World Championships in 2025, she is currently ranked eighth in the world and second in the Commonwealth and clearly on a trajectory to make a splash at Glasgow 2026 and Los Angeles 2028.
“I was excited and grateful when I received the good news. This scholarship makes things a lot easier as competitions are expensive to get to and prepare for. Now I can put all my focus on training and improving as an athlete,” said Selemaia.
The next few years for Selemaia are packed with Commonwealth Games, and then Olympic Games, qualifiers: India, Norway, Samoa and China are all on the upcoming travel itinerary.
“In the past I’ve done weightlifting workshops, raffles, even Givealittle pages to get to overseas competitions. My community has always been amazing, including my private doners who I’m very grateful for, but this scholarship means I can focus more on lifting and less on logistics,” said Selemaia.
At her young age, Selemaia is clear in the direction she wants to head.
“I want to fight for gold at the Commonwealth and Olympic Games while representing the New Zealand Team.”
“It’s a privilege to wear the fern and show our youth that we are capable and worthy of competing on the world stage, all you need is hard work and commitment.”
Meanwhile, fellow Yvette Williams Scholarship recipient Hazel Ouwehand is no stranger to the big stage.
Ouwehand competed at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and has swum at three World Championships.
She’s swimming faster than ever, currently ranked in the world top 10 in her key event, 50m Butterfly, as well as second in the Commonwealth.
Ouwehand found out about her scholarship poolside before a training session.
“Amanda from Swimming New Zealand called me as I was about to get in the water… let’s just say that training session was a good one!”
“This scholarship has really opened some doors, the doors that were creaking a bit before! In the past, things just wouldn’t happen if I didn’t have the money. Now, I can plan my year better and do the extras like altitude training to get me in peak condition for events,” Ouwehand said.
Balancing elite sport with a career as an accountant at Baker Tilly Staples Rodway in Auckland’s CBD has been challenging, but Ouwehand’s workplace has been a massive supporter.
“If I didn’t have their support, I don’t think I could do what I do, they help me out with extra leave when I go to compete or for a training camp, they’re great.”
Ouwehand is also mindful of giving back to a sport that has already given her so much.
She is the volunteer Treasurer at her swimming club, Phoenix Aquatics, and takes time to support and coach the next generation of swimmers coming through.
She is adamant her career wouldn’t be where it is today without the support of two special people – coach David Lyles and her Mum.
“There’s been so many 1-1 sessions with David, he’s so dedicated to me and my goals. As cliché as it is, I owe a lot to my Mum, she’s always there to lighten my load, she’s seriously a life saver.”
As Ouwehand embarks on a big 12 months, her Yvette Williams Scholarship will help fuel her passion for representing New Zealand on the world stage.
“It doesn’t matter how many times I do it, it’s still a goosebump moment. The pride I feel - I’m swimming for my hometown, my family, the people who’ve supported me, it’s so much more than just competing.”