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RNZ News
16-05-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Laiana McClinton: First Polynesian heritage athlete to win 100m and 200m State titles at high school meet
Laiana McClinton won both the 100m and 200m titles at the Florida State High School Athletics competition. Photo: Supplied A Florida based high school student has become the first Polynesian heritage athlete to win both the 100 and 200 metre titles at the Florida State High School Athletics competition. Laiana McClinton, who has links to Tonga and Samoa, won both events on Tuesday, claiming two gold medals along the way. McClinton stopped the clock at 11.75 seconds in the 100m and 23.67 seconds in the 200m. It is not the first time either the high school student has won in competitions across Florida, having dominated the Largo High School sprint events in the past few seasons. She has also become the first student from her school to win the events since 1992 - 33 years ago. Laiana McClinton stopped the clock at 11.75 seconds in the 100m and 23.67 seconds in the 200m. Photo: Supplied Proud mother Janesia Tautalatasi said on her social media posts that the achievement was a big reward and she was proud of what her young daughter has been able to achieve. "The biggest reward as a mother is being able to step back and watch your children flourish in life and strive to become greater versions of themselves all by the Grace of God!," she said. "All the many sacrifices, countless tears and silent struggles you go through as a single mother makes proud moments like this worth it! "Double State Champion! Super proud of this girl! "She put in real blood, sweat and tears into this season and this was her reward!" Laiana McClinton won both the 100m and 200m titles at the Florida State High School Athletics competition. Photo: Supplied She thanked coach Jamar Parker "who played a big key in her high school success". "He pushed her all season and set high goals for her," she stated. "Thanks Coach Tite for all that you do." The Largo High School Track and Field team congratulated McClinton, adding she has re-created history. "Congratulations to our very own Laiana McClinton (Junior) on accomplishing the amazing feat of winning the 100 meter dash and 200 meter dash at the FHSAA Class 4A State Championships (STATE CHAMP X2)," they said on their Facebook page. "Laiana is the first Girls Track and Field champion from Largo High School since the feat was accomplished in 1992, 33 years later." Laiana McClinton with her medals and her relatives after her title wins. Photo: Janesia Tautalatasi Proud mum Tautalatasi said her daughter has strong Polynesian bloodlines, connecting her to both Samoa and Tonga./ "She is Tongan, Samoan and African American," she said. "Her Polynesian bloodline on both sides are very athletic. Her Tongan side is the Sikahema bloodline from Vava'u." She is related to Vai Sikahema, the first Tongan to go to the NFL. "My dad and Vai's dad are brothers," she revealed. Her Samoan side is the Tautalatasi bloodline. That makes McClinton a direct relative of Nico Iamaleava and Junior Tautalatasi, who also was one of the early Samoan NFL players. "So saying all her athleticism came from one side is not true," her mum said. "She has the best of three worlds!! She embraces all three and her winning the state championship in the 100m and 200m in one of the fastest and competitive states in the country might not be a big deal for some but to our family and our people it is a milestone." Laiana McClinton has links to Tonga and Samoa. Photo: Supplied Tautalatasi said this is just te beginning. "We don't have alot of Polynesian sprinters," she wrote on her page. "Thank you for all your love and support for my daughter. "This won't be the last time you see or hear from her." Her blood ties makes the young champion eligible to represent either Samoa, Tonga or the United States of America. Aunt, Sina Sikahema, said her niece's achievement "isn't just a victory! it's a moment that will live on for our people, our culture, and our legacy". Sikahema said winning the titles during the Pacific Island Heritage Month was big. "Polynesians belong on every stage and now, the track too. She did it during Pacific Islander Heritage Month, no better time to show the world what we're made of! "This is for Tonga. This is for Samoa. This is for every young Islander girl who dreams big."
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Poll: Who should be The Oklahoman's Student of the Week for March 24-27?
The Oklahoman's Student of the Week poll for the week of March 24 is now live. The nominations for The Oklahoman's Student of the Week contest are in and polls are open to vote for the best of the best starting now. The Oklahoman asked superintendents, principals, teachers, and guidance counselors from across the Oklahoma City area to participate in the Student of the Week program by sending nominations for their student. Readers will now pick the best of the best in our poll. This week's poll has six candidates. The Oklahoman's Student of the Week poll is at the bottom of the list of nominees. You can vote once per hour until it closes. Last week's winner: Michael Lynch is The Oklahoman's Student of the Week. Voting is open through noon, Thursday, March 27. Nominations for next week's poll are also being accepted through 5 p.m. Thursday. To nominate a student, school faculty can email StudentOfTheWeek@ Here are the nominees for this week's poll: Karlee McCullah, Bethany High School: McCullah is a dedicated yearbook staff member, consistently bringing creative ideas and attention to detail that have significantly enhanced their final product. As an officer in the Key Club, she has demonstrated strong leadership and a deep commitment to service, always willing to step up and organize events to make a difference in the community. Additionally, as a member of student council, she has played an active role in representing her peers and organizing school events that foster school spirit and inclusivity. "Karlee's dedication, leadership, and positive attitude make her an exceptional role model, and she truly embodies the values of our school. I believe Karlee is more than deserving of this recognition, said visual arts instructor, Crista McCann. Conner Leader, Newcastle High School: Leader, is a 4.0 honor student while taking college-level courses as a junior. Along with mastering his academics, he is also a remarkable student-athlete. Leader is an outstanding swimmer, having recently achieved the title of 2025 State Champion in the 100 meter backstroke. He also earned the distinction of State Runner-Up in the 200 meter and 100 meter breaststroke, and twice in the 100 butterfly. These accomplishments not only showcase his talent and commitment to excellence but also his ability to thrive under pressure. In addition to his swimming accolades Leader is a talented baseball player with an impressive undefeated pitching record of 7-0 during the 2023-2024 season. Ami Avelar, Western Heights High School: Avelar is a standout senior known for active participation, always ready to share his thoughts. His contributions make learning more enjoyable and insightful for all. He participated in NJROTC where he was able to demonstrates his creativity and leadership. Along with maintaining his academics, he is in his final semester of the Cosmetology program at the Francis Tuttle Technology Center. When he's not in classes, learning all aspects of cosmetology, playing Baseball, or running errands as an office aide, he is studying for his state board exams. "Ami will graduate in May with his high school diploma and as a certified hair stylist. He is a perfect example of how students can succeed in high school and be ready and prepared for post-secondary success," said counselor Ren Wilson. Kaden Kennedy, Hennessey High School: Kennedy has a 3.96 GPA unweighted and 4.195 weighted GPA. He has actively participated in honors and concurrent classes. Kennedy shows his leadership and his dedication not only in his academics but in participating in livestock judging, holding an officer position and participating in showing cattle through the Ag program. He has won many championship's including the 2023 SW Zone Handicap Champion for trap shooting, 2024-2025 Aim All State Captain, 2024 Aim Grand National 3rd Place Junior Doubles, 2023 Champion West District Team and Trap Individual, Local Beef Production Proficiency Winner, 2023 Kingfisher County Livestock Show Grand Champion Market Steer (Grand Champion British Steer), NW District Livestock Show 4th overall steer, 2025 NW District Livestock Show Champion Division II Market Steer. Madisson Gonzalez-Razo, Classen School of Advanced Students High School: Gonzalez-Razo is determined and driven to better herself while see the positive in trying situations. She is extremely well rounded; juggling Advanced Placement coursework, leading Flamenco performances in our dance department, playing competitive soccer. She is on the indoor soccer team, contends in a high performing visual art community, and steadily holds a job in retail. Along with her academics and extracurricular activities, she is exploring ways that she can contribute back to her communities. "Madisson is by far one of my most responsible students both in and out of the classroom; never failing to make sure she finishes projects and follows up for feedback in ways she can improve in the future," said visual art teacher Amber Crump. Camden Sears, El Reno High School: Sears, an honor student who is passionate and strives for excellence in all she takes on. Out of hundreds of applicants, she was chosen as the 2025 Junior Counselor at Oklahoma Association of Student Councils where she will be able to further enhance her leadership skills. While maintaining her academics, she is a member of the cheerleading team and a speech and debate captain where she guides strategy and team unity. She won districts and qualified for nationals this month in Speech Program Oral Interpretation (POI). This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Poll: Here are the nominations for The Oklahoman's Student of the Week
