Athletic duo one to watch

Fa'aolataga, left, and Mafutaga Tau compete. Photo / Supplied

Brothers Mafutaga Tau and Fa'aolataga Tau are known for good reason as the "Turbo Twins".

The 14-year-olds are among the fastest of their age in New Zealand for the 100m and 200m.

This year the Tau twins from Titahi Bay are in Inglewood competing in their last Colgate Games. Yesterday Fa'aolataga was first and Mafutaga was third in the 200m final.

Their mother Patricia said the boys were destined for the track even before they started competing at the age of seven.

Older brother Ioritana Tau was spotted by Wellington trainer Nga Holmes and took an interest in the family. Their sister Tiana has also been excelling on the track. By the time the twins were ready, Holmes was primed as their trainer.

Patricia, whose mother is the sister of ex-All Black Jerry Collins' mother, says the boys have been lucky to win athletics scholarships to St Patrick's College.

"They have gifts from God which they need to utilise. We always do a prayer before they race and I encourage them to be humble athletes all the time."

Outside of running, the twins enjoy playing rugby union and Mafutaga competes at shot put.

Asked if there is much competition between the boys, they answer as one: "Of course!"