Nelson’s own national 1500m champion Julian Matthews is returning to his roots to inspire young New Zealand athletes, as the 2016 Colgate Games ambassador.
The fiercely competitive 27-year-old runner, who is aiming for the Olympics in 2016 after competing in the 2015 IAFF World Championships and the 2014 Commonwealth Games, says he remembers vividly his first competition medal at the Colgate Games.
He got silver in the 800m and the 1500m and still proudly remembers the experience.“It was the most nervous I’d ever been,” Julian says. “I was 11 or 12 and it was my first competition out of my familiar Nelson environment and it was a big deal.
“The Colgate Games gives kids the opportunity to compete against a great calibre of athletes, build confidence and get a taste of winning.”
The Colgate Games will see more than 2000 under-14 athletes from 108 athletics clubs across New Zealand participate in the two events held in Palmerston North and Nelson in early January. As well as medal glory, eight Nick Willis Scholarships are on offer to athletes who have outstanding performances throughout the Colgate Games. The scholarship gives recipients funds to put towards sports gear, coaching, travel and other resources to help them achieve their athletics goals.
Julian says the games provide a great competition and it’s vital for young athletes to experience the competitive atmosphere.
“It’s also important to realise that winning is not always going to happen. That took me years and years to get used to, but in this sport there’s no time to dwell.”
He says it will be “wonderful” to be back at the games and he is excited to see how the sport has developed. “It will be great to be surrounded by kids who love the sport.”
And he has some advice for any young sportspeople: “Just enjoy yourself and surround yourself with a good group of people.”
The South Island Games will be held at Saxton Oval, Nelson from 15 January.
