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Hannah Gapes competing at the 2021 Jennian Homes New Zealand Track & Field Championships (Photo; Alisha Lovrich)

National U20 women’s 5000m champion Hannah Gapes is one of the leading, young distance-running talents in New Zealand. Here the 17-year-old Lake City AC athlete offers a glimpse into her world via our regular Q and A segment.

Why did you start athletics?

In primary school I won my first cross country race. As I got older, I loved the feeling of winning and beating the boys.

What was the last piece of athletics advice you received?

A couple of quotes from my coach, Jason Cameron:
“Easy days mean easy”
“Trust in the process”

What has been your career highlight?

It would have to be winning the senior girls 1500m at the 2020 NZ Secondary Schools Track and Field Champs in Tauranga. I had a disappointing race two days before, so I was determined to do well in the 1500m.

What has been your athletics low?

In 2019 I was putting in the hard yards at training, but I was struggling to perform well on race days and it felt like I was going backwards. At the start of 2020, I found out that I was anemic. It was nice to find that something was up, so that it could be fixed.

Where do you see your athletics career ten years from now?

Hopefully competing on an international stage for New Zealand on the track or cross country.

What is your greatest mistake in athletics?

I learnt the hard way to always look at the course map of a cross country race! In year 8 I was leading by a fair bit until I took a wrong turn. I ended up having to turn back only to join the back end of the race. I was so gutted but ran my heart out to catch up and finish second!

Which athlete is the most interesting to follow on social media?

Genevieve Gregson, the Australian steeplechaser.

Do you have a favorite athletics social media post?

The edit of Shalane Flanagan on the way to winning the 2017 New York City marathon. Her emotion and elation never fail to inspire me.

If you could change one thing about the sport, what would it be and why?

I would love cross country to feature at the Olympics.

Which athlete do you most admire from your event?

Linden Hall, who recently became the first Australian woman to run under four minutes for 1500m, and Nick Willis because of his incredible achievements and longevity.

Outside of athletics what is your greatest accomplishment this year?

Becoming Prefect and Sports Captain at my school – John Paul College in Rotorua.

What was your most embarrassing moment in high school?

I had an important interview with my school Principal and before the interview I popped out for a quick run. While running I got stung on my eyelid and came back with a swollen and mutant looking eye that I could barely see out of. Throughout the whole interview it was the topic of conversation!

If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

Probably the Basilisk Lizard because it can run super-fast over water (I studied this animal a few years ago).

Do you have a nickname?

Some people call me Han!

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?

To be able to fly! Because I could go wherever I wanted, whenever I wanted. I would probably follow the summer seasons across the world.

What is the funniest joke you know?

There are two things you can see from outer space:
1. The Great Wall of China
2. The hole in the Aussie rugby team’s backline

Where do you see yourself when you are 50?

Happy and still enjoying the great outdoors of New Zealand with my own family.

What is the most ridiculous fact you know?

If you keep your goldfish in the dark, it will fade in colour.

If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be and why?

For everybody to have access to clean water.

If you could host a talk show, what three guests would you invite and why?

Ronald McDonald, Colonel Sanders, and Wendy.

No, seriously…
Marie Curie – Physicist. I would like to know the secret to her brilliance and perseverance.

Arthur Lydiard because of his groundbreaking impact on distance running.

Malala Yousafzai – The young Pakistani activist for female education. I enjoyed reading her book and would love to listen to her story first-hand.