Senior Sportsman of the Year AJ Madondo – a leap of faith for US track and field
N orth America-bound star sprinter and triple jumper AJ Madondo has added another cup to his packed trophy case, winning the 2023 Christ’s College Senior Sportsman of the Year award for his exceptional feats on the track and in the field. Having already represented New Zealand on the track in Brisbane, Australia, AJ geared up for his move to the United States, having won an athletics scholarship to Charleston Southern University in South Carolina. With his move onto the international podium, AJ has weighed up the best approach to having the biggest impact. “When considering the different College scholarships on offer in the United States, my biggest requirements have been to find the right environment and the right conditions to run the fastest times,” he explains. While AJ has been surprised to win the Senior Sportsman award,
the reasons for the decision are very clear in his College prize- giving citation. College describes the young athlete’s achievements as “nothing short of remarkable”, highlighting that “AJ’s journey is a testament to his resilience and determination”. “With a string of victories and an unwavering commitment, AJ embodies the true spirit of dedication to the pursuit of athletic excellence,” it reads. AJ says it is “great to be acknowledged as the Senior Sportsman of the Year, but I am actually quite surprised as there are so many good sportsmen at College”. “However, it is a great pleasure to see my efforts and achievements recognised by College in my last year of representing the school in track and field, and football,” he adds. “The award also recognises my emergence in track and field competition, and the wonderful
opportunity to help the boys out with my selection for the 1st XI football team to compete at the 2023 national tournament. “I had initially considered a career in football. However, I had to make the call regarding sport and opted to go with my greatest strengths – track and field.” AJ believes that College has been a major driver in his success over the past few years. “College is the one standout school in the country that has a club system,” he says. “That allows me to compete as an athlete at the weekend as part of the school. College has also helped me to race in Australia and in the North Island. It has definitely empowered my journey to the athletics world stage.”
Reflecting on his last year at College, AJ admits his
extraordinary rise to compete against the best young athletes in New Zealand and Australia has taken him by surprise.
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