Original article at the link here:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/local-papers/kapiti-observer/sport/8271543/Imrie-beats-Olympian-to-claim-gold
Paekakariki surf lifesaver Kayla Imrie dispatched an Olympian to
claim gold at the Eastern Regional Championships in Whangamata.
Imrie, 21, was too strong in the closely contested open ski
race, heading off Olympian Teneale Hatton, of Orewa, and Red
Beach's Caitlin Ryan.
"It's an outstanding result," said Paekakariki coach Shane
Radovanovich.
"She basically led the race from start to finish. It came down
to a sprint on the line with her and Teneale."
Paekakariki's Seth Forbes also won gold, in the under-19 men's
beach flags, and a bronze medal in the under-19 sprints.
Radovanovich said the eastern regionals were the second-largest
surf life-saving competition in New Zealand, behind the national
championships, this year attracting more than 840 competitors.
"It's a pretty good indicator of the strength of the fields at
nationals [on March 7-10]."
The Paekakariki club fielded a 29-strong team at the January
26-27 Eastern regionals.
The club's under-16 women's crews continued their good form.
Katie Trott and McKenzie Radovanovich claimed silver in the board
rescue and combined with Tess Allen to take silver in the taplin
relay.
In the under-19 grade, Kurtis Imrie, Tem Forbes and Thomas
McCarthy finished runners-up in the men's taplin event, while the
club's canoe crew of Ryan Cullen, Joe Mansell, William Mansell and
Jacob Cannell, claimed silver in the short course and bronze in the
long course.
Trent Shields won a bronze medal in the under-19 ski.
The next major event is the Capital Coast championships, hosted
by Paekakariki, on February 1.
Up to 500 competitors are expected, aged seven and over.
- Kapiti Observer
