FINDING HER STRIDE – DENIKA CLOONEY
Waipu-based distance runner Denika Clooney has transformed the challenges of training in a small Northland town into a pathway toward international competition and world-stage ambition.
When Denika Clooney moved to Waipu in 2022 at just 13 years old, the transition marked a significant shift in both lifestyleand training. Previously based in Auckland, she was used to structured, in-person coaching, training alongside a large group of athletes, and having an athletics track only minutes away.
What initially felt like isolation soon became the foundation of her growth. Adapting to solo training, Denika found a rhythm that suited her new environment and developed a stronger sense of independence, learning to draw motivation from within. Living in a smaller community has also fostered meaningful connections with the local and wider Northland running community, along with staff and peers at Otamatea High School, whose support continues to play an important role in her journey.
Denika’s love of running began early. At just seven years old, during a primary school cross-country event, she surprised herself by leading the entire race and winning – even after slipping on the final corner. That moment caught the attention of her school’s PE teacher, who encouraged her family to attend an open day at Pakuranga Athletics Club. She joined soon after and quickly immersed herself in the sport, competing regularly across Auckland.
By the age of 10, running became more than just a hobby. She began training the summer and committing to year-round competition. Naturally competitive, she was driven by the desire to improve and to test her limits.
That dedication culminated in her selection for the New Zealand Under 20 Women’s team at the World Cross Country Championships. In August 2025, Denika qualified in the U18 Women’s 5km at the Auckland Road Race Championships, securing her place on the team that travelled to Tallahassee, Florida, in January – marking her first international competition and first time in the United States. The race was contested over a demanding 6km course made up of a 2km loop completed three times, featuring five obstacles in sequence: a man-made hill, a sand pit, four closely spaced jumps, followed by a water pit and a mud section. Combined with Florida’s humid conditions, the event was both physically complex and mentally challenging.
Denika crossed the finish line with a time of 22:51, placing 55th overall and third among the New Zealand competitors. While not the result she initially hoped for, on reflection she views the race as a pivotal learning experience, sharpening her confidence and affirming her ability to compete on the world stage.
Looking ahead, Denika is in discussions with universities in the United States regarding full scholarships to compete in their track and cross country teams. Grateful for the support she receives from friends, family, and the local community, she is also seeking sponsorship to help cover the costs of training, travel, and gear required for international competition as she continues to build her career and pursue her goal of representing New Zealand again on the world stage – at the highest level possible.