News & Updates

National U20 200m champion Maia Broughton is one of a crop of exciting, young female sprinters currently excelling in the sport. The 19-year-old, who represents Christchurch Old Boys United AC, shares her thoughts in our regular Q and A segment.

Why did you start athletics?

I always won my primary school athletics day races from the age of 5, and loved it so much I really wanted to join a club and compete every week.

What was the last piece of athletics advice you received?

Do everything possible that you can, to become as good as you can. Then, when you’ve finished running, you can look back on all the awesome things you’ve achieved!

What has been your career highlight?

Winning five gold medals at my first New Zealand nationals at Porritt Stadium, Hamilton.

What has been your athletics low?

Missing out on the World U20 Championships due to its Covid-related postponement.

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

I would love to be competing for New Zealand on the international stage.

What is your greatest mistake in athletics?

Putting too much pressure on myself.

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

For me, that would have to be Zoe Hobbs (the joint record-holder of the women’s 100m).

Do you have a favorite athletics social media post?

The track girls TikTok during lockdown! (dropping the shoe).

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

The fact that athletes are not able to compete (because of the schedule) in both the 200m and 400m events at the secondary school’s nationals.

Which athlete do you most admire from your event?

Anna Percy (the two-time senior national 400m hurdles champion) because she is the most dedicated athlete I know, and she inspires me every day at training.

Outside of athletics, what is your greatest accomplishment this year?

Becoming a trainer at an F45 studio and starting my studies in human nutrition.

What was your most embarrassing moment in high school?

Being hit in the face with a basketball and breaking my nose.

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

A dolphin, because they have so much fun diving through the water and I love the ocean.

Do you have a nickname?

My mum has always called me Maieey.

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

Flying! Because I could just fly everywhere instead of driving or catching a flight.

What is the funniest joke you know?

Q. Why did the scarecrow win an award?
A. Because he was outstanding in his field.

Where do you see yourself when you are 50?

Still adventuring and travelling around the world.

What is the most ridiculous fact you know?

That toilet seats are cleaner than your phone!

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

Famine, because there is so much food in the world yet so many people are still starving every year.

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

Usain Bolt, James Corden and Rebel Wilson, because they would spark off each other and would make for a great show.