Otago University skier and snowboarder Estelle Baker at the
Snow Park, near Wanaka, yesterday. Photo supplied.
University of Otago PhD student Estelle Baker keeps
coming back to the New Zealand University Snow Games but this
time has an even bigger suitcase.
After an impressive six consecutive stints competing at the
games, Baker decided a bigger challenge was needed for her
seventh.
So, instead of her traditional snowboard, she also packed
skis this year and effectively doubled her competitive
schedule.
Her tally of nine events is the most of any of the 150
students gathered in Wanaka for the annual event.
"It's the first time I've done both ski and board events. I
thought it would be a bit of fun," Baker, who is studying for
a PhD in microbiology, said.
"It's been a while since I was on skis but luckily I've
remembered how to do it."
Slalom ski and board, giant slalom ski and board,
skier-cross, boarder-cross, halfpipe, slopestyle, big air and
even cross-country feature on Baker's racing itinerary this
week.
She has also doubled as the role of team manager for the
42-strong Otago contingent.
Winning the gold medal in the giant slalom on Tuesday, a
fifth placing in the boarder-cross and top-10 finishes in
every other event, Baker has contributed valuable points as
Otago strives to defend the coveted Mike Forrestal Memorial
Shield, which it has dominated in recent years.
Meanwhile, fresh snow contributed to a creative halfpipe
competition at the Snow Park yesterday.
Otago's Tom Grooten notched up his second gold medal in as
many days, winning the men's snowboard title ahead of a
competitive field.
In the women's snowboard, Auckland's Nicola Peters secured
top honours, followed by Georgina Allen and Chelsea Martinez,
both of Canterbury.
Undaunted despite competing in halfpipe for the first time,
Massey-Albany's Emilie Tait-Jamieson claimed gold in the
women's ski, with Georgia McNamara, of Canterbury, and Emma
Thompson, of Otago, second and third respectively.
Otago's Hamish McDougall won the men's division, followed by
team-mate Matt Johnson and Canterbury's Ovila Juneau.
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