“She puts in a lot of work . . . she’s very focused.”
It was her first year at W1 premier level and she was up against two previous champions in Elkington — a former member of Gisborne’s Mareikura club and the 2016 world V1 silver medallist — and Campbell.
“She won comfortably,” Walker said of the protege of New Zealand and Mareikura pioneer Matahi Brightwell.
Campbell not only a coachCampbell added another premier W1 medal to her collection, a reflection of a tenaciousness and talent that was inspirational to paddlers of all ages.
“She’s probably spent more of her life coaching . . . but she’s also a great paddler,” Walker said.
He pointed out that Campbell’s coaching combination with mother Irene Takao (who looks after younger paddlers) had been vital in producing champions.
Day to rememberIt was a day to remember for the Williams and Campbell families. Rangi-Riana Williams — Akayshia’s younger sister — won the junior 16 women’s title. She finished 7secs ahead of the chasers, with clubmate Keri Ngatoro third and Gaibreill Wainohu (Hor) fourth.
Mairangi Campbell — Kiwi’s son — dominated the intermediate boys’ final, winning by over 10secs. Mareikura trio Hunter Hewson (5th), Tawhiri Kirikiri (6th) and Wiremu Maxwell (DQ) also made the final.
“Mairangi is the quieter one of the family . . . but he has a gritty determination and he works hard,” said Walker. “He just got on with the job.”
Twin sisters Cory and Kodi Campbell were one and two in the junior 19 women’s final. Cory powered to victory, nearly 8secs ahead of her sister.
Walker said the pair were “quite dominant” in a final where Horouta reaped plenty of points towards the top overall club trophy. Jessica Terekia was fourth, Pharyn Calles sixth and Lucretia Taitapanui eighth.
The club’s other gold went to outstanding prospect Darius Apauni-Nepe in the junior 16 men’s division. He won by 4½ seconds with clubmate Keanu Wainohu-Kemp third and Mareikura’s Moko Epiha seventh.
Anderson making progressFormer New Zealand surf lifesaving international Glenn Anderson (Hor) made the podium in the premier men’s division. Anderson was third in the final won by reigning champion Tupu King (Nga Hoe Horo), with Horouta’s Bruce Campbell fifth.
“It’s a reflection of his progress,” Walker said of Anderson. “He’s coming to grips with a different way of paddling.”
Horouta also picked up silver medals in the under-23 women’s (Aurora Akauola) and intermediate girls’ (Te Aomihia Pewhairangi) divisions. Grant Donaldson (Hor) won bronze in a thrilling master men’s final.
Vesna Radonich (Hor) was pipped for third in the master women’s final. Kat Niblett (Hor) was fourth in the u23 women’s final.
The champs continued today with W6 and W12 racing from junior through to the golden masters age groups.
