Sisters set new B.C. records

That a pair of plucky young sisters would compete in a high performance pentathlon meet is one thing, but to both win their age groups and set new provincial records in the process is something else altogether.

Back home and feeling good about their game are Oceanside Track & Field’s Chelsea and Makayla Hoey.

In action at the B.C. Junior Development Pentathlon meet in South Surrey June 21, the sisters shone in the grueling event consisting of high jump, long jump, 60m hurdles, shotput and 800m race.

Chelsea, 11, placed first with a combined score of 2294, which is also the new B.C. record for 11 year old females (previous record was 2209 points, set in 2000).

Makayla, nine, took top honors in her age division with 1653 points, which is also a new B.C. record for nine-year-old females (previous record was 1630 points, set in 2001).

The two attend Winchelsea Elementary School, conveniently located adjacent to the Ballenas Secondary School track on which they train.

Their recent accomplishment is testament to not only their love of sport (they both also enjoy gymnastics swimming and soccer) but to the junior development coaching they’ve received through OT&F from their parents, Tina and Bill, along with Liz Munro, Andy Jenkins, Cathy Mackenzie and Laurie Ritchie.

Tina and Bill have been coaching the junior athletes with the club for two years. Chelsea has been a club member for three years, and Makayla jumped in feet first this season, the first year she was eligible.

“Very proud — they’ve worked so hard,” mom Tina said when asked how it felt to watch their daughters garner gold in Surrey.

Asked which of the five events she likes best, Makayla smiled and spoke for her sister as well when she said, “all of them. It’s a lot of fun.”

UP NEXT: The Hoey sisters will be competing in Nanaimo July 11-13 at the B.C. Junior Development Championships along with 34 of their Oceanside Track and Field teammates.