U19 switch not a problem for Corrin

BOARD RACE DOUBLE: Olivia Corrin, pictured competing for New Zealand last year, racked up the points for Midway at the Eastern Region championships last weekend, including winning the open and under-19 women’s board races. Picture by Helen Knight

MIDWAY Surf Life Saving Club coach Matt Sutton was reluctant to speak about Olivia Corrin’s impressive performance in the Eastern Region Championships at Mount Maunganui at the weekend.

But after some gentle persuasion and initially singing the praises of the Waikanae club, Sutton agreed to talk about the 16-year-old who contributed significantly to 11th-placed Midway’s points tally at the carnival.

“Waikanae coming second to a strong Mount (Maunganui) club shouldn’t be underestimated,” said Sutton. “Waikanae have come a long way in the past few years.

“They took a small team over but placed well in a lot events, which is going to give them a good base for future events.”

As to Corrin’s outstanding efforts, having moved from the under-16 to u19 division, Sutton was not surprised to see her make an instant mark.

“Olivia confirmed what many people in the sport have been saying for a long time . . . she’s the most exciting young athlete in the sport and has been for a number of years.

“With Olivia, it’s not about coaching her, it’s more about managing her, making sure she doesn’t burn out from putting too big a load on her at the carnivals.

“One of the things that impressed me most at the weekend was her ironwoman win.

“There’s no ski leg in the u16s but there is in the u19s and some people were questioning her ability to deal with that particular aspect of the event.

“She simply reinvented herself and won it in her first year out of the u16s.”

Corrin also won the u19 and open women’s board races and u19 surf race, and was a member of the u19 board relay-winning team.

“She won the u19 board race easily, then raced around for the start of the open board and won that, beating Devon Halligan, ranked one of New Zealand’s best,” Sutton said.

“There’s no fuss with Olivia she just gets on with it. There are other talented athletes around the country but some don’t have Olivia’s work ethic.

“She’s the ultimate team competitor. She would enter every event if we let her.

“Barring injury she could have another 10 years of winning medals and dominating events. But at the same time we have to remember she’s only 16 and has to enjoy being a 16-year-old girl.

“Who knows? The wheels could fall off at some stage, though it’s highly unlikely given her down-to-earth attitude and her dedication to training and helping others.”

Although 11th place may not seem such a great result in the club standings. Sutton said he was more than pleased.

“We’re happy with where we are at present. All our athletes gave it everything they had and battled for every point.

“We’ve got a young keen group who are highly motivated and that’s good for the future.”