Athletes representing a wide range of sports have been selected for Academy Southland’s 2020 Foundation Year.

Academy Southland runs a two-year programme for Southland athletes aspiring to represent New Zealand on the international stage.

The programme provides support with mental skills, nutrition, athlete life and strength and conditioning.
Academy Southland manager Jason McKenzie said this year’s Foundation Year intake had been selected for a large group of nominations.

“There was a very high standard of athlete to choose from, which has meant only choosing one person per sport,” he said.

“We’ve got a really wide range, from our traditionally strong sports like cycling to the likes of table tennis and Tae Kwon Do. It’s also great to see a golfer and a rugby player in the mix this year.”

Amongst the Foundation group is talented Southland leaper Quinn Hartley, who recently both the under 18 and under 20 long jump and a bronze medal in the senior men’s high jump at the New Zealand track and field championships.

Hartley is no stranger to the Academy, having been amongst a group of young athletes who train under strength and conditioning coach Tyson Huia in the Mike Piper Training Centre.

For just the second time, Academy Southland will host a joint camp in 2020 with their Otago counterpart later this year.

2020 Foundation Year athletes:

Liam Hewitt

Golf

Maia Cavanagh

Table Tennis / Netball Umpiring

Mitchel Fitzsimons

Track and Road Cycling

Quinn Hartley

Athletics

Madison Grieve

Sevens / Touch

Cameron Archer

Basketball

Eilish McLeod

Rowing

Losa Fifita

Netball

Cameron Shaw

TaeKwonDo

Kavindu Bhagya

Cricket / Football

Jacob Mika

Rugby

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