Sprint star spoilt for choice
19 Jun 2018
Year 13 athlete Cody House is spoilt for choice. The sprint, long jump and hurdles exponent is wanted at both the Oceania Athletics competition in October and has been shortlisted for the Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires later in the year.
But he can’t go to both.
While he makes up his mind he is also contemplating 10 days on the Gold Coast in a month’s time where he will take part in the “Down Under” competition.
“This is going to be both a competitive trip and also a bit of fun, because there will be time to look at some of the special features and fun parks, so it will be a combination of a holiday and a competitive event. I’m really looking forward to it and the competition that will be there from throughout Australia and the United States.”
Cody is no stranger to international meets, having previously competed at the 2017 Oceania event, as did good friend and fellow competitor, Sam King. A month ago Cody went to Port Vila, Vanuatu, for the Melanesian Games, which acted as a trial for Australian and New Zealand athletes hoping for selection for the Youth Olympics. Cody was 3rd in the long jump and 4th in the 200m and 100m sprints.
Training takes up a lot of Cody’s spare time, either for school or his club, Christchurch Old Boys. It was not until Year 7 that his interest and success in athletics began, but now it looks to be a big part of his future.
“I’m thinking about going to university in the USA on an athletics scholarship. It would be a great opportunity if it happens.”
Long term he has his sights set on the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics.
“It would be awesome to be in any big competition like that.”