Youth Olympians’ strong start in Buenos Aires

Two hockey athletes and three sailors from the NSW Institute of Sport are currently taking part in the Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The Argentinean capital of Buenos Aires is hosting the third edition of the Summer Youth Olympic Games. Athletes between 15-18 years old from 206 countries are competing in 32 sports, with Australia taking a team of 88 athletes.

NSWIS Scholarship Holders Courtney Schonell and Maddison Smith both contributed to Australia’s strong start in the women’s hockey 5s, whilst Alex Halank, Evie Haseldine and Will Cooley are competing in sailing events.

Hockey

Schonell and Smith enjoyed an incredible 10-0 win over Zimbabwe which included four goals from Schonell and one from Smith. The Aussies were then narrowly defeated 3-4 by Namibia on day two of the action, before Schonell was at it again, scoring five times in an 8-0 drubbing of Poland on day three.

NSWIS Hockey Women’s Head Coach Katrina Powell has been impressed with the pairs’ form.

“By all accounts Courtney and Maddison are having a strong tournament so far, which is great to see.

“Both girls are dedicated athletes and I look forward to following their progress throughout the Youth Olympics”.

The Australians will continue the hockey 5s competition until Sunday 14th October, when the gold and bronze medal matches will take place.

Sailing

Evie Haseldine and Will Cooley are partnered in the Mixed Two-Person Multihull Nacra 15 class, where they are currently ranked 6th of 14 after five race days. The final race for the pair will take place on the 13th.

Alex Halank is competing in the Men’s Windsurfer – Techno 293+ class, where he is placed 13th our of 24 after five races. Halank will finish up on the 12th of October