Trophy win for skier

Mahurangi College student Joseph Farnsworth claimed the Waimarino Trophy at the NZ Skiing Youth Series last month. The competition was held in Pinnacle Valley at Whakapapa, Mt Ruapehu, in near perfect conditions. A total 119 competitors, ranging from under 10 to senior, took part. While Joseph was the fastest male competitor on the giant slalom, Nicole Postlewaight, of Taupo, claimed the title in the women’s event. Joseph and Nicole were presented with their trophies by alpine skier and Olympian Simon Wi Rutene. In another Mahurangi connection, the trophy was sponsored by Robin and Grant Dixon, of Warkworth. Joseph’s father Adrian Farnsworth says his son now has his eyes set firmly on the NZ Under 18 title, which he will compete for this month. “There are a couple of boys ranked ahead of him, who have had the benefit and experience of skiing overseas, but Joseph has been doing a lot of strength training at the gym in Warkworth, which is showing results.” In the long-term, the goal is to compete at the Youth World Cup and an Olympics.