MGC athletes have their day in the sun

PETER JONES

Two school records were eclipsed during the Marlborough Girls’ College annual athletics sports on Thursday.

On a blazing hot day at Athletic Park, and in front of a colourful crowd of fellow students, middle distance runner Neve McKenzie broke both marks, one which has stood for 18 years. She ran away from the field in the 3000m, her time of open mark of 11.04.60 set by Kate Parsons in 2005.

Neve, who competed in and won the under-15 grade, also dominated the 1500m event, her time of 5:14:25 breaking

Lucy Harman’s previous best time of 5.21.91, set in 2018, by some distance.

The under-19 champion title was shared by Paige O’Brien and May Smith, who finished tied on points - Paige winning the 100 and 200m, May the 400

Brooke Harper dominated the under-16 grade, taking first place in the 100m, 200m, long jump, high jump and shot put.

Neve was a clear winner of the under-15 section, winning the 400m, 800m and 1500m.

Hannah Harper also showed clear dominance in the under-14 grade, taking out the 100m, 200m, 400m, long jump and shot put.

Age group champions and placegetters.

Under-19: 1= Paige O’Brien and May Smith 22 points; 3 Erin Green 18.

Under-16: 1 Brooke Harper 34; 2 Lily Smith 22; 3= Amber Bendell and Mila van Rensburg 12.

Under-15: 1 Neve McKenzie 1 24; 2 Katie Pugh 16; 3 Makayla Bothwell 14.

Under-14: 1 Hannah Harper 34; 2 Jaye Wiapo 22; 3 Maisie Cornelius 16.

Final House points: 1 Opaoa 840; 2 Wairau 828; 3 Kaituna 720; 4 Awatere 635.