Frequent readers of our sports articles will be familiar with Eden Innes. The year 12 sprinter took out the South Island U19 girls’ 200m title—along with bronze in the 100m—at the beginning of April, to add to her U16 100m title from 2024, and she joined teammates Zoe Hooper, Sophie Mercer and Sophie Warren to win the U19 girls’ 4x100m relay on both occasions. She had already been crowned Canterbury champion in the U19 100m and 200m earlier in the year.

Eden got her start in competitive athletics with Selwyn Athletic Club about six years ago, after excelling in cross country and athletics at primary school, and has been steadily improving and amassing wins and medals since.

"I instantly fell in love with the sport at primary school," says Eden.

"I love the environment of athletics, and the competition it brings."

Eden (578) in the 200m semi-finals at the New Zealand secondary schools athletics championships in 2024, and anchoring the 4x100m relay to a win at the South Island secondary schools in 2024.

Her sister Cleo, a talented thespian, is in year 13 and on the same weekend as the South Island athletics, was a member of the Rolleston College team who won best ensemble at the Globe Centre Canterbury Te Tai Tonga festival. Cleo is an all-rounder who loves starring in class performances and taking on tough behind-the-scenes roles in school and external musicals and productions. She’s also an arts leader in 2025.

Cleo (centre, with tartan sash) performing at the Globe Centre festival.

Cleo says she has fallen in love with the performing arts since joining us at Rolleston College in year 9—to the point that she took two Selected drama courses in one year!

“It’s a form of expression,” she says. “I love being able to take dramatic, meaningful concepts and turn them into a piece of theatre for others to enjoy.”

Cleo says the opportunities in the performing arts at Rolleston College, along with the partnership she’s had as crew with CentreStage Rolleston, have been incredibly fun and rewarding.

“The friends I have made through drama and the performing arts are amazing people who I know I will stay friends with long after I leave Rolleston College.”

Eden echoes these sentiments, saying the close connections she makes with others is one of her favourite aspects of athletics.

“Through my years of competing, I have made so many new friends. I love that I get to venture around New Zealand, making new friends and having more experiences.”

Eden (right) with teammates Sophie Mercer, Sophie Warren and Zoe Hooper after repeating as South Island 4x100m relay champions in April 2025.

Both girls are proven team players, with Eden’s success in the Rolleston College relay team also reflected on the hockey turf, where she’s a key member of our girls’ first XI—alongside Cleo!

Eden was also recently selected in the Canterbury U18 B team, with an upcoming tournament on 29 June.

“In team sports, it's not an individual win or loss, so when we lose we’re able to communicate with each other about what we need to improve as a team and how we can do it,” says Eden. “We are able to lift each other up and cheer each other on.” She enjoys celebrating together with her team.

Eden and Cleo in action on the hockey turf at a preseason friendly in 2024.

Eden is a fiercely competitive person, and her accolades in both sports prove that.

“I love training; I can push myself to be the best version of myself. My love of the sport inspires me to keep going.”

Cleo’s role as stage manager in next week’s school production is multi-faceted.

“I manage the movements behind the scenes, and a crew of people who have volunteered to help with the smooth running of the production. This means that I call set changes and sound cues, making sure that the director's vision for the show comes to life on stage.”

Cleo hard at work as stage manager during rehearsals this week.

“Delegating roles and responsibilities is also a huge part of my stage management role,” she adds.

“Managing crew and making sure everyone has a job, means that nothing is left missed and the show goes on. Because of this, backstage is always bustling with energy and it’s an amazing environment to be in.”

Cleo’s favourite part of last year’s production, where she was stage manager, was the collective “Hand Jive” dance that took place backstage during the performance.

The sisters recommend that aspiring performers or athletes just give it a go.

“I would encourage you to take a drama, dance, or music course! Taking drama exposed me to a world far beyond the classroom and it was a decision I have never regretted,” enthuses Cleo.

Eden agrees.

“Just go for it,” she says. “Rolleston College provides opportunities like spirit day, athletics day, and sports trials if you want to see if you’d like to play. Sports always bring highs and lows, but the best thing I’ve learnt is just not to give upon the passion I have.”