From top, Ruby Dennis won Hibiscus Coast Athletics first gold medal, competing against runners from all over Auckland. Joel Brewer took silver in the long jump.
Eight-year-old Ruby Dennis of Red Beach sprinted her way to a gold medal recently, moving up from fifth to first place in the final straight of the 200m event.
In the process, she became the first competitor from the Hibiscus Coast Athletics Club to win a gold medal – in any grade – at an Auckland Athletics Championship.
The club became affiliated with Auckland Athletics and Athletics NZ three years ago when it re-established itself at Metro Park East in Millwater. This gave its members the ability to compete against athletes from all the other Auckland clubs.
President David Kayes says the win reflects new talent coming through in the junior division as well as coaching from Olympic decathlete Brent Newdick and Matt Bloxham, the current U20 record holder for hammer throwing.
As well as winning the Girls’ 200m in her age group, Ruby also won bronze for the 60m at the event, which was held at Waitakere Stadium last month.
Another club member, nine-year-old Joel Brewer, jumped a personal best to win silver in the Boys’ Long Jump.
The athletics season has now finished and cross country will begin at Hibiscus Coast Athletics Club next month.
