Handing down the family silverware is typically a generational thing, but not where Christine Walters and Wayne Trott are concerned. Only days after arriving home with a bagful of medals from the waka ama world champs in London, the Raglan West couple were preparing to send some of their hard-won silvers and bronzes to their grandchildren.
Three of the 10 medals they won will go across the ditch to Australia while two more are bound for the South Island, says Wayne.
Both sets of grandchildren have been following the International Va’a Federation World Sprint Championships at school and “they can have them for show and tell”, he laughs proudly.
Travelling to compete across the other side of the world – the event was held for the first time in the northern hemisphere – was a novel opportunity for the local couple, who’ve twice previously brought back medals from IVF outrigger racing in Tahiti.
The long-haul flights, however, were “torturous” for the 12-strong NZ para-athlete team, they say. Christine and Wayne both suffered crippling leg injuries in a motorbike accident decades ago, while their fellow paddlers deal with other disabilities which also make travel challenging.
“But it’s nice to hang out with our para crew mates,” Wayne added of the camaraderie. “We have different adversities but work well together.”
Their team was up against the likes of Australia, Tahiti, and Hawaii but it was the professional British para team – with whom they later exchanged shirts – which left them in awe. “To aspire to that level of para would be fantastic,” says Christine, adding financial backing would make all the difference to New Zealanders’ performances.
The pair is grateful all the same for assistance from Raglan Lions Club, LJ Hooker Real Estate and a group of local ladies for their tireless fundraising efforts. They also had support from the wider community via a Givealittle page which raised close to $3000 to help them on their way.
Christine and Wayne competed in three team and two singles races each. Wayne also raced with other para entrants in a masters men’s team in the club sprints, competing over three distances.
Between them they won seven silvers and three bronzes for the Whaingaroa Whanau Hoe Waka Club.
Also in the world sprints – at the purpose-built Dorney Lake in Windsor – were locals Kaitawhiti Kereopa who raced in a Gisborne team which won two golds, and Conan Herbert who competed for Northland winning three golds in his three events
By Edith Symes
