STUDENT

ACHIEVEMENTS

Great Wheelbarrow Race 2026: A Memorable Team Effort

The Great Wheelbarrow Race proved to be an unforgettable experience for the Saints Go Marching team – a journey defined not just by distance, but by resilience, camaraderie and purpose. Across three demanding days and 140 kilometres, the team showed exactly what can be achieved when a group commits to one other and the cause they represent.

From the outset, the challenge was clear. Day 1, from Mareeba to Dimbulah, brought early adversity: a mechanical issue with the wheelbarrow door – a throttle lock that forced the team to come to a complete stop at every transition – made for a frustrating and slow start. At times, they watched other teams move past, including eventual race winners including Saints Old Boy, Kael Newcombe. Despite this, the boys never dropped their heads. They stayed composed, worked through the challenge and finished the day with determination intact.

That evening at Dimbulah State School provided a much-needed reset. Supported by the generosity and hospitality of the local community, the team regrouped, refocused and prepared for what lay ahead.

Day 2, the longest and most demanding leg from Dimbulah to Almaden, was where the team truly came into its own. Facing over 60 kilometres of tough terrain and climbs, the boys dug deep and began to build momentum. Individuals stepped up when it mattered most, with Lincoln O’Harae finding another level and lifting the group around him. Together, they powered through the hills and rolled into Almaden with a renewed sense of belief. A well-earned soak in the river provided both relief and a moment of shared accomplishment after such a gruelling effort.

An early start on Day 3 – tents packed at 5am and on the road by 6:30pm – reflected their position following the slower opening day. However, what followed was nothing short of remarkable. With quiet focus and determination, the boys attacked the final leg into Chillagoe. One by one, they passed every team that had started ahead of them, ultimately crossing the finish line with line honours for the day – a powerful statement of how far they had come since the start of the race.

The team recorded a total time of 10 hours and 54 minutes, with significant improvements across days 2 and 3. While the staggered start system meant they were not the overall winners, their performance across the final two days was a testament to their resilience and ability to adapt under pressure.

 The true measure of their success, however, extended far beyond race times. Competing as Saints Go Marching, the team raised over $9,500 for the Black Dog Institute, contributing to vital mental health research and awareness efforts across Australia. This

cause remained at the heart of their campaign and gave deeper meaning to every kilometre completed.

Throughout the event, the team embodied the idea that “sharing lightens the load.” None of the individuals could have completed the race alone, but together they overcame fatigue, physical strain and moments of doubt. They leaned on one another, supported one another, and in doing so grew stronger both individually and collectively.

There were challenges, but there was also joy – shared laughs around camp, moments of reflection under the stars and the satisfaction of pushing beyond perceived limits as a united group. These experiences were just as valuable as any result.

The effort was supported by a dedicated group behind the scenes. From the driving and camp cooking to logistical coordination and constant encouragement, the support crew and families played a vital role in the team’s success. Their energy and positivity helped create an environment where the boys could thrive.

Most importantly, the team represented themselves, their school and their cause with pride and integrity. They approached the event with maturity, respect and determination, leaving a lasting impression on those around them.

In the end, the 2026 Great Wheelbarrow Race was more than a physical challenge – it was a demonstration of teamwork, resilience and the power of standing together.

Thank you to Mr Jones and Mr Williams for your organising and the generous Saints community for such strong support.

Australian Triathlon and Aquathlon National Championships

Congratulations to Ash Mayes, who competed at the School Sport Australia Triathlon and Aquathlon National Championships on the Gold Coast.

It was four days of competition in a super sprint format, where Ash competed in multiple races to accumulate points and qualify for the A, B or C finals.

He made the A final and finished 8th in Australia in the 13–14 boys age group for triathlon. An outstanding achievement.  

Queensland Academy of Sport’s YouFor2032 Talent Search Program

Congratulations to Year 10 student Sam Barber, who is proving that regional talent will play a vital role on the road to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Sam, who has a background in soccer, was recently identified as a boxing prospect through the Queensland Academy of Sport’s YouFor2032 talent search program. 

Sam recently reached a major milestone by attending the intensive YouFor2032 Development Camp, where he underwent rigorous lab and gym assessments under the guidance of elite QAS coaches and athletes. 

Jase Daniels - Shot Put

Congratulations to Jase Daniels, in Year 10, who recently represented our region at the National Track and Field Championships. Competing at the highest junior level in the country, Jase showed fantastic determination in the shot put, securing a commendable 13th-place finish in his very first national appearance for the event. 

Due to a bit of tough luck in the hammer throw, his final – and potentially top-six – effort landed just outside the sector lines. However, it was an invaluable experience against Australia's absolute best. 

Jase is now resetting and preparing for his next major milestone, having been selected for the Regional Australia Team to compete at the Oceania Championships. We wish him the absolute best of luck on the international stage.

U18s Hockey State Championships

Congratulations to Beau Frazer, Lucas Brierley, Brody Bakurski and Samuel Smyth who played in the under-18 Boys Hockey State Championships last weekend on the Gold Coast. The Cairns team came 5th in Division 1.