WelCom December 2024/January 2025
Jyde Low and Jayden Parker’s sporting achievements on the national and international stage have earned them St John’s College, Hastings, highest sporting honour: the Russell Brothers Trophy for Outstanding Contribution to Sport.
‘It feels really rewarding to have our hard work recognised like this. It makes you want to push even further,’ Jayden says.
For year 11 student Jyde, it is his second award, having also been crowned Male All-Rounder at the Hawke’s Bay Secondary School Sports Awards.
Jyde has excelled in a wide range of sports, including ocean swimming, cyclocross, multisport, orienteering, cross-country, mountain biking, athletics, and road cycling. Competing internationally, he placed ninth in the 19-and-under category at the Aquathon World Championships in Townsville, World Triathlon Multisport Championships.
Jyde says it’s ‘pretty cool’ to be recognised for his hard work. ‘The adrenaline and knowing there’s always room for improvement keep me going,’ he said. ‘There’s no such thing as talent – it’s all hard work.’
Jayden, a Year 12 student and a member of the Hawke’s Bay Canoe Club, specialises in canoe slalom, canoe polo, and wild water canoeing. He made his international debut this year, placing 12th at the Planet Canoe Junior U23 World Championships in Slovakia.
Jyde and Jayden say St John’s College has helped them balance their sporting commitments with their studies, offering flexibility and extra support when they need it.
Jayden added that teachers have ‘gone the extra mile’ to provide lunchtime tutoring sessions, enabling him to stay on track academically.
Looking ahead, both athletes have big goals and hope to one day represent New Zealand at the Olympics.
St John’s College Principal George Rogers says: ‘We are extremely proud of these young men who are performing on such a big stage.’
