World Xterra placing for Waikato Hillary Scholar

University of Waikato Hillary Scholar Oliver Shaw has just returned home after coming second in the World Xterra Under 25 champs recently held in Hawaii.

The former Western Heights High School prefect and Bachelor of Sport and Leisure Studies student is one step closer to his dream of becoming a professional Xterra athlete, with the placing being his best result to date.

Xterra is an off-road triathlon, with a 1.5km swim, 32km mountain bike and 12km run.

Oliver, 19, is the New Zealand Under 25 Xterra champion, and the trip to Hawaii was his fourth in a sport that sees him prepare for two big races each year.

NZ Races Limited

“There aren’t many Xterra races in New Zealand so I race mountain bike, duathlon and anything else during the year to keep my fitness up. I try and build up for the New Zealand champs, which are in April, and then start training for the October World competition.

“It was very hot and humid over there but I had a good swim this year and felt really good on the bike and made the most technically of the ride – just focusing on keeping a good rhythm.”

This was the first time racing in the World Under 25 category for Oliver, and the desire to foot it with the best in the new age group was something that provided inspiration to push himself harder.

“There’s a big field of racers and you’re always thinking that you are going to get caught or are wondering where you’re placed in the race. In Under 25s we all have the same numbers on our legs, so when you pass someone else with a 25, you try to go a little bit harder and try look a little less tired.”

Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarships are the University of Waikato’s most prestigious scholarships and are awarded to students who are high academic achievers and who are achieving in the arts or sport.