The team of 3 have won an entry into the sold-out event, as well as kayak support from Barracuda, a $1000 clothing pack from principal partner Kathmandu, and coaching sessions from Kathmandu Coast to Coast Ambassadors. 

“Trident’s entry stood out to us,” said Race Director Glen Currie, “they hadn’t managed to get an entry into the 2022 event but displayed a real passion for the outdoors. They’re regularly competing in mountain bike competitions and orienteering, even competing in the Motu Challenge last year. They clearly demonstrated that an opportunity to win the Academy prize pack would have a lasting influence on their lives and the people around them.” 

Nearly a dozen entries were received for the 2022 award from as far afield as Fiordland College in the south, to Orewa College in the north, with a strong contingent of entries received from the McKenzie District, Canterbury and North Otago. 

“It’s been a real focus of the Kathmandu Coast to Coast for a number of years now to make the event as accessible as possible. With the support of our principal partner Kathmandu, and a host of others we’re able to offer this opportunity,” Currie added. 

“We’re really stoked to win this opportunity,” said Trident team member Bailey Fredrickson. 

“The opportunity to compete in the Kathmandu Coast to Coast alongside my younger brother and my mate will be a very cool experience.”

Fredrickson, who is a keen cross country mountain biker will take on the three bike sections, with younger brother Ollie, who’s a handy sprint kayaker, set to add some white-water paddling to his repertoire, while Jack Wilson will combine his training for the Hillary Challenge with some ‘long runs’ as he prepares to take on Goat Pass. 

 “Whakatane is a real hub for multisport in the North Island, some of the most recent winners of the Longest Day, such as Sam Clarke and Corrine O’Donnell come from Whakatane, so it’s great to see their influence rubbing off on the next generation of multisporter’s and in the Kathmandu Coast to Coasters,” said Currie. 

Trident High School alumni also includes Oliver Thompson a regular longest day competitor and 2-day individual champion in 2018.