Boarders selected for national teams

From Walgett, Gilgandra and Wellington, Arabella McKenzie (Rugby 7s Youth Commonwealth Games), Paige Wilson (Australian Under 20 high jump champion - Youth Commonwealth Games) and Olivia Barton (Oceania Cup Team - three day eventing) have reached the pinnacle of their chosen sports.

To achieve their goals, all three girls have been challenged to prioritise and organise their commitments independently.

They have been asked to meet expectations as sportswomen and senior students while living at school, with their friends.

“I am grateful to my parents and the school for supporting me and, being from such a small town, so far from Sydney and training, I feel extremely fortunate to be representing Australia,” Arabella said. 

Olivia, selected for the Trans-Tasman team as one of four riders to represent Australia, competed successfully in the Melbourne International Three-Day Event.

She was part of the winning Australian team in the Oceania Cup.

Paige, Australia’s champion junior high jumper, completed a demanding training regime both at Frensham and in specialised training in Sydney.  

“When her coach comes to Frensham, we see her complete a gruelling couple of hours of agility and sprint training - and that’s just the part we see,” a friend said.