Dunedin's Jan Still wins the first of her Masters Games
gold medals in aerobics. Photo by Jane Dawber.
Jan Still is maintaining the standards set by her
grandfather as she completes a busy schedule at the Masters
Games.
Still's grandfather, Teddy Isaacs, was a tireless promoter of
Otago sport when he worked as sports editor of the Otago
Daily Times and news editor of the Evening Star.
He backed all sports but swimming was his first love.
He was a life member of the Otago Swimming Centre.
Still (46) is the co-ordinator of aerobics at the Masters
Games and is competing in aerobics, ice-skating, indoor
rowing and gymnastics.
She has won a gold medal in aerobics, and in ice-skating she
has won a gold medal in the stroking event and a silver in
individual free skating.
Because of her tight schedule she missed her rowing heat, but
more medals are expected in the novice bar and vault in
gymnastics.
The family tradition of sporting excellence goes further
because Still's grandmother, Tiny Isaacs (nee Morrison), won
the first New Zealand springboard diving title in 1924 at the
age of 14.
Still's great-grandfather, Dick Isaacs, played 18 games for
the Otago rugby team between 1887 and 1892 and managed the
unbeaten All Black team on its tour of Australia in 1914.
Her father, Clarke Isaacs, a former chief of staff at the
ODT, is a member of the Civil Service Harrier Club.
Still is used to juggling many aspects of her life together.
"I'm a pharmacy technician by day and a part-time aerobics
instructor at night," she said.
She also supports her children with their sports.
Gemma (13) has represented Otago at badminton and Holly (18)
holds an Otago secondary school high jump record in
athletics.
This is her sixth New Zealand Masters Games and she has won
more than 20 gold medals.
"I've still got to get them engraved," she said. "I've got
them strung over door handles. They make a clinking noise
when I walk past."
The Masters Games has a special place in Still's life.
"I love the friendly atmosphere, the people and their strong
desire to win medals."
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