RAISING THE BAR: Brooke Ah Sam.
Brooke Ah Sam looks petite and unassuming, but those around her know she is a force to be reckoned with.
Currently attending the Kick for the Seagulls Sport and Education programme in Kaitaia, which allows her to focus on her high-performance training as well as achieve academic credits, the 16-year-old
is hard in training as she prepares to represent the Far North in the New Zealand team attending the CrossFit Brand X Varsity Teen Gauntlet in the US next month.
The programme is organised by the Lowie Foundation, which has decided to sponsor the Far North teenager. Currently ranked third in the world on the Gauntlet leaderboard, Brooke was thrilled to be an ambassador for the foundation.
"Securing the sponsorship means I can continue to really focus on my studies and training. Last year I fell ill while away and although I only managed to attend for two days, I still managed to place fourth. This year is about coming back, proving myself and giving it my all," said Ah Sam.
- Brooke Ah Sam is one of five Kaitaia teenagers who have qualified to compete at the major international CrossFit event next month. While her trip is now assured, the other four - Christian Linder, Kyla Te Paiatai Puhiroa Smith, Dakota-Li Mitchy Lum and Kelly Lum (all five athletes representing Infinite Scope which can boast more members in the New Zealand team than any other gym) are still seeking assistance to help fund their campaigns. Anyone wishing to donate to the cause can do so via the Give A Little website, alternatively donations can be made directly to the Infinite Scope Trust account, 38-9010-0144279-00, and/ or contact Hine or Ants Lum at 408-3653.
