Joshua Grieve
The wheels are in motion for Joshua Grieve to become a world champion cyclist.
Despite a late start in the sport, the 17-year-old is already competing with the best in the world.
After becoming the New Zealand national omnium champion, he was selected as part of a 10-strong team to represent the country at the UCI Junior Track World Championships in August this year.
That feat is very impressive, considering he only started cycling competitively a couple of years ago.
He shifted gears in year 11 and dropped all his other sports to take cycling more seriously.
He says he was consistently placing 7th or 8th in South Island championship races, so he decided to dedicate more hours to the sport.
Joshua has gone from training a couple of times a week, to riding his bike for about 15 hours every week.
"I have been quite intentional about what I’m trying to get out of my racing."
During a race, he loves to fight and is willing to dig deep and get podium finishes.
Going into the junior world championships, his mindset was to accelerate his learning.
In his pursuit of a world championship title, Joshua has sacrificed his social life.
For schoolwork, on the other hand, he makes a conscious effort to set aside enough time to stay on top of things.
Next year, he is planning to study at the University of Otago and push forward towards his dream to cycle at the Olympics.
Achievements
YSD Australasian track series in Malaysia, 1st in the U19 men’s team pursuit, 1st in the U19 men’s elimination and 3rd in the U19 men’s scratch race (2025); New Zealand track nationals 2025, 1st in the U19 men’s individual pursuit, 1st in the U19 men’s omnium, 2nd in the U19 men’s scratch race, 3rd in the elite men’s team pursuit (2025); Oceania Track Championships, 3rd in the U19 men’s team pursuit (2025); Cycling New Zealand Schools Nationals, 1st in the U20 boys’ points race, 1st in the U20 boys’ road race, 1st in the U20 boys’ criterium, 2nd in the U20 boys’ time trial, 3rd in the U20 boys’ omnium (2024); highest-achieving sportsman (Three Brothers cup) for John McGlashan College (2024); school jazz band (2019-25).
Role model
New Zealand cyclist Campbell Stewart.
Hopes for the future
Become a professional cyclist.
Angus Burns
Angus Burns leads by example.
As John McGlashan College’s head boy this year, his approach has been to let his actions do the talking for him.
"I’m kind of a man of few words," he says.
His favourite part of the role has been helping his peers achieve their goals.
"I just love encouraging the boys to do their best and always supporting them through their work and their hobbies."
Angus has had a busy year.
On top of leading his school, he has played both first XV rugby and senior A basketball while maintaining an excellent academic record.
To get away from the busyness of his life, Angus likes to get out and spend time doing wildlife photography.
"I just love going on adventures and taking the camera out just to go exploring.
"It relaxes me and takes my mind off things."
He was given a camera by his father — who was a forensics photographer for the police for 27 years.
Next year, he plans on studying criminology and sociology at the University of Otago.
Ultimately, he hopes to join the police as a dog handler or in the armed offenders squad.
It is in his blood to work with the police since is mother, sister and brother-in-law are also in the police.
Although joining the police is a daunting prospect, he loves helping people and solving problems, so he thinks it will be the perfect fit for him.
Achievements
Head prefect (2025); architecture photography Resene Colour Award (2024); Tūhura Otago Museum photography competition finalist (2024); NCEA level 2 merit (2024); excellence award in history and photography (2024); NCEA level 1 merit (2023); excellence award in history and geography (2023); 1st XV rugby (2023-25); Senior A basketball team (2023- 25; captain 2025); Senior A volleyball team (2024-25); John McGlashan College kapa haka (2018-25); Otago Polyfest (2024); Mana Pounamu (2024); Ngā Manu Kōrero (2024); Otago basketball representative (2019-24); Otago Metro rugby representative (2019-23); 1st place John McGlashan College prepared speech and reading competitions (2018-22); junior representative on school council (2022).
Role models
Mother and father.
Hopes for the future
To work for New Zealand Police.
