Sisters run off with NZ titles
Two sisters have added yet another title to their growing list of running accolades.
Mya Graham, 11, from Selwyn House school and Ari Graham ,13, from St Andrew's College have won their age groups in the New Zealand Road Race Championships held last weekend in Wellington.
This follows their double win at the New Zealand Cross Country championships earlier in August.
With strong swimming backgrounds Ari and Mya have also taken triathlon titles with Ari winning the Canterbury Schools and South Island School under 14 Triathlon events and Mya taking out the 11 year old title.
Ari from St Andrew's College has been earmarked by paralympian Sophie Pascoe's coach Rolly Crichton for a competitive future in triathlons.
Ari took up running after an elbow injury ended her artistic gymnastics career. Younger sister, Mya from Selwyn House school, also has a strong future in triathlons but coach and mum Sussan Graham says she tries to prevent people from comparing the two sisters.
"Mya is creating her own path - people always ask if she is matching Ari's time but they are two different girls.
"At the moment she likes to run and that is enough," she said.
Both Mrs Graham and her husband Ian are strong multi sporters already claiming one team title in the 2010 Goldrush event and have finished in the top 10 in the Coast to Coast teams event twice.
Although the household have to stick to a tight timetable to ensure Ari and Mya get to their events and training Mrs Graham wouldn't have it any other way.
"I am a taxi service and I love it. We only have so many years with the girls until they get older and move on, so right now it is great watching my girls succeed," she said.
Both girls also play the violin and Mrs Graham has to ensure the household sticks to a tight timetable in order to get everyone to training and competitions.
