MOUNTAIN BIKING

Jake's passion for biking is truly infectious, starting from his early adventures on a balance bike at just 2 years old, to conquering Skyline Mountain Biking laps at 5 and even putting in shifts at Vertigo Bikes Queenstown during his summer break.

Mastering various biking disciplines such as BMX racing, downhill racing, and dirt jumping, Jake revels in the diversity of biking, always keeping the essence of fun at its core! You can spot him tearing up the hills of Queenstown with his eye-catching pink setup, standing out in the midst of the crowd.

We're eagerly anticipating what 2024 holds in store for you, Jake!

ATHLETICS

Aya is a force to be reckoned with in the world of athletics, participating in a diverse range of events that showcase her incredible talent and dedication. So far in 2024, she's already left a trail of triumphs in her wake, dominating the competition at the South Island Colgate Games.

Aya is gearing up for an exhilarating year ahead, filled with ambitious goals and relentless determination in Athletics!

Aya's journey extends beyond borders as she aspires to qualify and compete at the prestigious Japanese Junior National Athletics Championships in June/July 2024.

FREESTYLE SKIING

Get ready to witness Axel's electrifying freestyle skiing moves as he dominates his favorite Queenstown and Wānaka ski fields this upcoming season! With a relentless drive for perfection, Axel has been hard at work refining his skills and mastering a range of jaw-dropping tricks.

Axel has been practicing and perfecting his tricks, including the cork 7, flat 3, side flip, front flip AND backflip on the trampoline, ready for the slopes! This year, Axel is set to spend even more time in the half pipe, where he feels most at home.

As a role model within the winter sports community, Axel is known for his supportive nature and willingness to lend a helping hand to others in the terrain park.

To support the costs associated with winter sports, Axel has taken matters into his own hands with his business, "Handy Axe," where he goes the extra mile by mowing lawns and doing household chores to alleviate the financial burden on his whānau. Not only that, but Axel is also learning valuable skills with his dad at home, mastering the art of ski maintenance and repair to reduce costs and ensure he's always ready to hit the slopes.

Join us in applauding Axel for his dedication, resilience, and inspiring determination as he embarks on his incredible journey!

MARTIAL ARTS

At just 14 years old, Shyla is a powerhouse in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, MMA, and Kickboxing (K1). At the age of 6, Shyla embarked on her martial arts journey with the aim of learning self-defense. As she continued on her journey, it became evident that she possessed innate talent, swiftly rising through the ranks. This was highlighted when she secured third place in the World Championships in 2019, astonishingly at just 9 years old!

In the next year, Shyla has her sights set on some incredible goals. She's determined to represent New Zealand at the 2024 MMA Youth World Championships and compete in the BJJ World Championships in the US. Shyla is also committed to defending all her regional, island, and national BJJ titles in New Zealand.

One unique aspect of Shyla's training regimen is her home gym, where she and around 50 members from the local community train together. This supportive environment not only fosters Shyla's growth as an athlete but also contributes to the development of martial arts enthusiasts in her community. Ka pai!

With an impressive track record that includes numerous championship titles and accolades, Shyla's talent and drive are undeniable.

Join us in welcoming Shyla to the Te iti Kahuraki Athlete Programme and supporting her as she continues to make waves in the world of martial arts!