In her own words: Teagan Ashley
Aparima College and Academy Southland athlete Teagan Ashley is another Southland athlete to watch at the New Zealand Secondary Schools champs. Lance Smith caught up with the talented thrower.
What does being a medal possibility mean to you?
It is very exciting and makes me determined but along with that comes pressure and expectations which I am working with Jason McKenzie (Academy Southland mental skills coach) to channel those nerves into performances.
Will it affect your approach and build up?
It makes me more motivated and intent in my training but I do need to remain relaxed and make sure my emotions do not take over logic. I have trust in the build-up and will keep working hard in the circle with Raylene Bates and in the gym with Tyson Huia
How long have you been in athletics and what got you started?
I have been doing athletics for as long as I can remember! I started when I was 3 years old when I was dragged along to athletics with my brother and competing gave me something to do. I have enjoyed it since day one and that passion has led me to be where I am now. I started as a sprinter in my early days and I hated throwing but the tables turned as I got a bit older and started to win and fell in love with throwing things.
What is your training?
I train in the circle 2-3 times a week doing hammer and sometimes adding in another throw such as shotput or discus with some coaching from Chris Knight.
I also train in the Mike Piper Training Centre gym twice a week.
In my spare time I do extra core work
Photo: Teagan Ashely training at Surrey Park earlier this year. Pic: Nathan Burdon
What does belonging to Academy Southland mean to you?
Academy Southland has really grown me as not only an athlete this year but as a person as well. I never realised the enormity of this achievement until I found myself in sticky situations and the Academy Southland team got me through them. They have packed me a tool box of skills that I use every day in my sport and in my life too, and are such a great support team. I am very grateful to have the opportunity to be a part of something that means a lot to me and I urge any athlete who can apply to do so.
What have you done in the past – including achievements?
Over my years have competed at South Island and North Island Colgate Games, picking up some medals, New Zealand Secondary School champs, also picking up medals, New Zealand Track and fields, Interprovincials, InterCenters, picked up Southland records and championships and South Island championships along the way.
Has it always been throws, or do you do or have done other events?
I used to be a sprinter until finding that I do really like throwing. I now focus on throws but I keep my options open as things are always changing.
Photo: Teagan Ashley, left, training with Fiordland’s Dyani Shepherd-Oates. Pic: Nathan Burdon
You come from a sporting family, who has that influenced your sport?
My mum has always been involved in athletics and my brother did it also when he was younger. My family are such a great support platform for me and they are always checking in on me and cheering me on. My grandparents are amazing and love to come watch and I love making them proud. My Dad passed away in 2017 and that was extremely tough for me as an athlete. It took me to a place that I never thought I would recover from but instead it has shown me how to be the strongest I have ever been in my life. This makes me work so much harder for everything as I know that is what he expects of me and I want to continue to make him proud. My Mum has been absolutely amazing to me. She has spent many hours running around after me, waiting for me, attending all my meets, being my #1 supporter, funding me to get to places and I know I wouldn’t be where I am now if it wasn’t for her. I am extremely fortunate to have such amazing people in my life.
How supportive is your school?
They are pretty supportive. Although there are some teachers at my school who are super supportive. They have helped me and encouraged me to perform at my best. Zara (Ms Health), when coming on school events, always bring me the school work for her classes so I ACTUALLY have to do it. Even though it is a pain when I want to be having fun, I am thankful in the long run.
Does the time required for training impact on your social life?
I am an extremely organised person that allows me to be able to find a balance between training, school, friends and a social life. Being an athlete does mean I miss out on some things as I have competitions, trainings or catching up on school work but it just means that I have to prioritise what I attend and what I have to miss out on.
Do you have a preference among the throws?
I love doing all of the throws but at the moment my favourite is Hammer. I believe this is the one that I am currently doing the best in and I really enjoy the technique used in hammer.
What’s ahead for you do the rest of the season?
I am looking to crack 50m in the hammer and then hopefully further that goal for later in the season. I have New Zealand Secondary Schools coming up shortly, then New Zealand and Australian Track and Field champs.
What are your future long-term goals?
After finishing school next year I am looking at going to Otago University and training with Raylene fulltime. I would also like to represent New Zealand at Oceanias and maybe world champs and even the Olympics.
What is your proudest sporting moment so far?
My proudest sporting moment so far is a mix between two different events. First being when I won my silver medal at NZSS. Secondly would be being accepted into Academy Southland.
What other sports do you do, or have done?
I have done a range of sports such a rowing, netball and rugby. But now I like to focus on athletics and netball. Both netball and athletics keep me fit and strong all year round and I manage to be able to get the most out of each. These two sports mean a lot to me and I enjoy the team environment aspect of netball and leading a team to push themselves to play really well. For athletics I love the satisfaction of gaining distance and being fully accountable for those gains. It also provides for an amazing atmosphere.
