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Mikayla Dance going for gold

 

Mikayla Dance, a Year 13 student and an accomplished swimmer, recently competed at the Auckland Secondary Schools Individual Champs. The meet was held in Henderson at the West Wave Aquatic Centre.

Mikayla put in a remarkable effort and came out on top, winning the senior woman’s 100m breaststroke and the 200m breaststroke. She competed against students aged 16-18 from Auckland Schools. Mikayla says, “It was great to win; it gives me confidence for New Zealand Secondary Schools later in the year.”

Mikayla is a formidable swimmer and has been able to achieve many wonderful things in the sport which is a credit to the hard work that she puts in everyday and the sacrifices that she makes.  When asked about what it is about the water that ignites a fire in her she says,“I love swimming and I love to win, this being the reason I train as much and hard as I do. Competition for me is a chance to display my hard work. Every time I race at a competition it is so important to me, as with the goal of receiving a scholarship to an American College, gaining personal best times increases my chances of attracting  interest.”

She will be able to showcase her talent at the New Zealand Secondary Schools Champs in September which will be held in Wellington. Mikayla has never competed at the national event before but says that she is really excited to get her chance and that she would love to represent the school before she leaves.

In preparation for September, Mikayla will continue her club training which includes eight pool sessions a week, with two a day kicking off at 4:30am. She will also have 3-4 gym sessions. “My ultimate goal for New Zealand Secondary Schools would be to come away with medals. If I was to medal in all 3 of my breaststroke events I would be stoked as I know the competition is very tough.”

Mikayla continued, “I’m most looking forward to racing alongside competition that will be tough and competitive as I know this is what helps me achieve personal best times.”

Shontelle Matano