Courtney Duncan, of Cambridge, is Waikato’s sole powerlifter competing at the Special Olympics National Summer Games in Christchurch. She is pictured at the 2022 National Summer Games in Hamilton. Photo / Supplied
Courtney Duncan, of Cambridge, is Waikato’s sole powerlifter competing at the Special Olympics National Summer Games in Christchurch. She is pictured at the 2022 National Summer Games in Hamilton. Photo / Supplied
The Special Olympics National Summer Games are rolling into Christchurch next week and Waikato’s Special Olympics Club will take part with a strong delegation.
From December 10-14, 41 Waikato athletes will compete across seven of the 10 Special Olympics sports.
The Waikato team is hoping to shine in swimming, football,athletics, equestrian, tenpin bowling, basketball and powerlifting.
A lot of eyes will be on Courtney Duncan, of Cambridge, as she is Waikato’s sole powerlifter and has strong medal potential.
Duncan, who lives with Down syndrome, has been breaking personal records in powerlifting since first trying the sport in 2017.
Her training is a mix of technique and strength, but she is also preparing for the mental side of competition, practising listening for the calls so she knows exactly when to step onto the platform and when to lift.
Her coaches, Matt Gordon and Bryce Johnsen, are full of admiration, saying Duncan’s dedication and drive is “extraordinary”.
“She shows every athlete what’s possible when you combine hard work with a love for sport,” Johnsen said.
Alex Johnsen, Courtney Duncan and Bryce Johnsen. Photo / Supplied
For him, Special Olympics runs in the family: he has been involved for over two decades, guiding athletes not just regionally but also on the world stage.
His wife, Nicky, serves as Waikato head of delegation for this year’s National Games and their son, Alex, has taken part in the competition since 2013.
“Our family embodies the spirit of Special Olympics – commitment, teamwork and celebrating every achievement,” Bryce said.
Alex started with powerlifting, but he is now switching gears to compete in tenpin bowling and supports his dad as powerlifting coach.
Alex said he is excited for the Games and to see his former powerlifting teammate, Duncan, compete.
“She’s ready, and I’ll be cheering her on,” he said.
The National Summer Games is Special Olympics New Zealand’s largest national event and follows a four-year cycle.
