Lilah Langi-Scott reports back on her amazing skating achievements in 2024. She has also just been recognised by the Otago Polytechnic for her outstanding sporting and academic achievements at their recent Pasifika awards ceremony.
In September, I completed at the New Zealand short track speed skating
championships and won first place for my age grade (Junior C women). After this win, I decided to compete at the Australian Ice Racing short track speed skating championships in Melbourne for the first time. I had 2 goals going in: placing, and achieving a 500m time of under 51.8sec. Excitingly, I achieved both, placing 1st in my age grade and achieved a 51.4second time for my 500m and personal bests over different distances.
Before the competition, I participated in a skill development camp where I learnt so many things and met lots of new people. After Melbourne, I flew
back into Christchurch for the New Zealand Ice Figure skating Championship. I came 3rd in my grade, Advanced Novice girls. My score allowed me to be selected to represent New Zealand in the B rep squad, and I made the development squad for another year.
I give thanks to my amazing coaches who have supported my
achievements and the Skeggs Foundation, who I have received financial support from through athlete grants over the past few years.