SC aerobics team bag NZ titles
Since taking up aerobics seven months ago, it’s been a rapid rise to the top for a group of Aorangi competitors.
Brenna Turnbull, Caitlin Buckley, Tegan Buckley, Zoe Harding and Lillie Evans all have reason to smile after they picked up national titles at their first attempt.
Harding, Caitlin Buckley and Brenna Turnbull combined to win the level four 15-17-year-old team section, beating a number of others in Auckland recently.
Tegan Buckley and Evans then paired up to win the level four duo section, making it a quality day out for the Aorangi team.
‘‘It was really awesome but it was tough. Our muscles were really sore by the third day but we had to carry on and do our best and just to medal is an awesome achievement really, it certainly wasn’t something we were expecting,’’ Harding, 17, said.
Aorangi were at their first national competition and to win it was a dream come true.
‘‘We definitely didn’t expect it and it’s awesome knowing we achieved what we did,’’ Harding said.
Their 90 second routines did enough to wow the judges and secure their victories.
Coach Sally Hart was incredibly proud of their efforts.
‘‘They totally exceeded expectations up there.
‘‘To do as well as they did was just awesome for a team who were attending their first national competition.’’
Hart said they had picked up the sport very quickly.
‘‘They’re incredibly determined and train hard and that’s what helped them secure the medals.’’
All five achieved the proficiency badge for a high level of performance, something which excited Hart.
‘‘To me that was really special all them reaching that and I get a medal for them getting to that level and it’s just icing on the cake really.’’
Their run to a national title would surprise many as they had only competed in two competitions all before hand.
‘‘One was a qualifier for nationals but to achieve like they did, I’m so proud of them.’’
The trio were superb, while the pair of Tegan Buckley and Evans also showed plenty of promise and in fact defeated the older pairing of Turnbull and Caitlin Buckley for the national title, leaving them to settle for silver.
‘‘Three national titles from a small club is a superb achievement.’’
Harding bagged gold in the individual level 4, 15-17 year-olds, while Caitlin Buckley, 17, was third and Turnbull, 16, fourth.
Caitlin Buckley was extremely chuffed with her efforts at the nationals.
‘‘I had been struggling to get the straddle and managed to do it cleanly in all my routines, so I was really happy.’’
Hart said it would be a big next 12 months.
‘‘It’s going to be a big next few months and we will be aiming to comeback and defend what we’ve just won.’’