KERANG teenager, Hannah Spencer’s sporting calendar has been packed with appointments during the past few months.
The 16-year-old has spent most of this year juggling football and ski racing commitments.
The Kerang Technical High School student recently experienced the thrill of internationally competitive ski racing as part of the Victorian side that claimed the Trans-Tasman Cup.
The event – an annual challenge between Victoria and New Zealand’s best young skiers – saw competitors take to the water at Lake Mulwala on May 6 and 7.
Spencer qualified for the Victorian side following her performances during the 2016/17 points score season, representing the State in the junior girls (16 years and under) section.
Spencer finished second to New Zealand’s Beatrice Ward during the opening day of racing, before handling Sunday morning’s cold water temperature and windy conditions to win the race and gain 1000 points for the hosts.
The win helped Victoria secure the title, announced during a presentation evening held at the conclusion of the competition.
“Competing in the Trans-Tasman event was a good experience,” Spencer said.
“It was different compared to racing in a point score competition, but I made many new friends during the event.”
Spencer spent most of the 2016/17 season racing with skiing partner, Taylah Henderson, with the pair towed by Henderson’s father, Mark and observed by Spencer’s father, David.
Away from the water, Spencer spent most of the summer training with the Bendigo Pioneers’ TAC Cup girls side in readiness for the inaugural season, travelling to training sessions at Bendigo and Swan Hill.
The football commitments are ongoing, with Spencer looking to secure back-to-back titles for Bendigo Junior Football League Youth Girls side, Woorinen and commitments with the AFL Central Victoria Youth Girls Academy.
“It has been hard doing both football and ski racing, but I want to do both for as long as I can,” Spencer said.
