Golden teen wins scholarship

Mikael Starzynski shows his form at the Pugh Sports Bowl in Masterton. PHOTO/LYNDA FERINGA

MIKAEL Starzynski wasn't expecting to be named one of four recipients of a prestigious Nick Willis scholarship at last weekend's North Island Colgate Games in Palmerston North.

The Masterton 14-year-old, who was competing under the Athletics Wairarapa banner, was obviously happy at having won three gold medals in the grade 14 division -- 400m, 800m and long jump -- but admits to having given little thought to being one of the successful scholarship quartet.

"It came out of the blue, I guess I was so focused on what I was doing that everything else was shut out," he said. "It was a surprise but it's a big deal, I'm rapt."

The Willis scholarship, awarded for the first time in 2013 and named after one of this country's best-performed middle distance athletes, is not only based on outstanding performance but also excellent attitude. Those fortunate enough to earn them receive a contribution towards sports gear, coaching, travel or other resources to help them towards their athletics goals.

Starzynski went into the Palmerston North event optimistic of strong showings in his favourite events, the 400m, and the 800m, and while the windy conditions meant he was unable to register personal bests in either he was "very pleased" with the way things panned out. There was an early hitch in the 800m when he was shut out of a gap in the first 20m and had to work harder than he would have liked to get himself on the pace but while that did affect his finishing kick he still had enough in reserve to hold his challengers at bay.

The 400m win was more straight forward and came just a month after another major victory over that distance in the Wairarapa College colours at the national secondary schools track and field championships in Timaru.

Going into the long jump, however, Starzynski was not anticipating anything special as he had done no training for the event. But he took away the gold medal with a best leap of 5.93m, which was 70cm further than he had managed before.

"I was really stoked with that, I had no idea how I would go. It was just a case of giving it everything and hopefully things would work out."

There is a possibility now the long jump will become a more regular part of the Starzynski training regime as the youngster is keen to develop his skills in that discipline.

It is sure to become part of conversations with his Wellington-based coach, former Fijian Olympian Autiko Daunakamakama, who was a 400m specialist, both on the flat and over hurdles. Daunakamakama sets out the programmes for Starzynski to follow and Mikael's father, Andrew, is invariably on hand to ensure his son does what is required of him.

The presentation of the Willis scholarship to Starzynski was made by 2016 Colgate Games ambassador and New Zealand champion 1500m runner Julian Matthews who said it was grounding to see kids competing at such an intense level.

"I was impressed by the amazing talent and dedication and I'm sure there were some future stars in the making."

The Colgate Games are in effect New Zealand's national junior athletics championships for children aged 7 to 14, and have been running for 38 years. This year more than 2000 young athletes from more than 100 athletics clubs across the country competed at the two events in Palmerston North and Nelson.