New Zealand representative Brydie Donald in action at the
New Zealand Winter Games curling at the Maniototo
International Curling Rink in Naseby last week. Photo by
Gerard O'Brien.
Brydie Donald, who has represented New Zealand in curling
and ice hockey, is the latest of a long line of internationals
who have come from the Maniototo.
Donald (24) grew up in Ranfurly and continued the family
tradition when she first represented New Zealand at the
junior world curling championships in 2003.
Her grandfather, Murray Donald, represented New Zealand in
outdoor curling.
Donald has also represented New Zealand at ice hockey and
played in the world championships.
But she has been sidelined from that at the moment because of
a shoulder injury.
Brother Jeremy (28) has also played for New Zealand at ice
hockey.
Her parents were also talented at sport, with father Joe
playing premier rugby for Gimmerburn-Patearoa and mother
Shona representing Central Otago at hockey.
"Mum and Dad come to watch all our games when we are playing
in Naseby," she said.
"We have great support from Central Otago locals who get
right behind us."
The Maniototo has always been the home of New Zealand curling
and Brydie was introduced to the sport by Peter Becker when
she was a pupil at Maniototo Area School.
She has been a member of the New Zealand senior women's team
since 2003 and finished 13th at the world mixed pairs
championships in Italy with Scott Becker this year.
"I want to continue to represent New Zealand and take our
team to the Olympic Games," Donald said.
"That is the big dream."
New Zealand has a problem because it faces teams from China
and Korea who are made up of full-time professional curlers.
The New Zealand team is full of amateurs who must work at
other jobs to make a living.
Donald is a physical education and education student at the
University of Otago.
To make some pocket money, she works as a personal trainer at
Les Mills and works at the Terrace Bar.
"I go home to Ranfurly at weekends to train for curling," she
said.
"I just love being on the ice."
Donald played a key role at third to help the New Zealand
team reach the semifinals at the Winter Games at Naseby.
The next target is the Pacific championships.
Brydie Donald
Double international
Age: 24.
Home: Ranfurly.
Family: Joe (father), Shona (mother), Jeremy (brother).
Education: Maniototo Area School, University of Otago.
Occupation: Personal trainer and barmaid.
Sports: Curling, ice hockey.
Record: New Zealand ice hockey representative at world
championships; curling international 2003-09.
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