Jyde Low and Jayden Parker’s achievements on the national and international stage in their respective sports have earned them St John’s College’s highest sporting honour: the Russell Brothers Trophy for Outstanding Contribution to Sport.

The award highlights the dedication, resilience, and success both athletes have demonstrated, and caps off a successful year for the pair.

“It feels really rewarding to have our hard work recognized like this. It makes you want to push even further,” Jayden says.

For Jyde, it is the second award in the past month, having also been crowned Male All-Rounder at the Hawke's Bay Secondary School Sports Awards.

A Year 11 student, Jyde has excelled in a wide range of sports, including ocean swimming, cyclocross, multisport, orienteering, cross-country, mountain biking, athletics, and road cycling.

Competing internationally, he placed ninth in the 19-and-under category at the Aquathon World Championships in Townsville. 

Reflecting on his awards, Jyde says it’s “pretty cool” to be recognised for his hard work.

 “The adrenaline and knowing there’s always room for improvement keep me going,” he shared, adding, “There’s no such thing as talent—it’s all hard work.”

Jayden, a Year 12 student and member of the Hawke’s Bay Canoe Club, has achieved similar success.

Specialising in canoe slalom, canoe polo, and wild water canoeing, he made his international debut this year, placing 12^th at the Planet Canoe Junior U23 World Championships in Slovakia.

“My first Junior Worlds wasn’t the best result I could get, but overall, it was good. Being there showed me what’s possible.”

Both Jyde and Jayden say St John’s College has been instrumental in helping them balance these commitments with their studies, offering flexibility and extra support when they need it.

“School has been really supportive,” Jayden says, adding that teachers have “gone the extra mile” to provide lunchtime tutoring sessions, enabling him to stay on track academically.

Jyde echoed this sentiment, noting that the additional help from staff makes it possible to stay focused on both his studies and his athletic goals.

Looking ahead, both athletes have big goals and hope to one day represent New Zealand at the Olympics.

St John’s College Principal George Rogers says: “We are extremely proud of these young men who are performing on such a big stage”.