Mikayla learnt to ski with her parents at Coronet Peak when she was four years old. Her first competition was at Coronet Peak during the school holidays when she was seven years old. Skiing in the QAST holiday program was something Mikayla did for fun during the winter holidays. At the end of the two week holiday program there was a combi race and she competed for the very first time.
From here Mikayla has continued to develop as a ski racer, competing in FIS, University and National Championship races both here in New Zealand and in North America. She competed in the FIS Junior World Ski Championships in Panorama, Canada this year where she finished in 35th in Slalom.
Mikayla's most memorable moment skiing was in 2023 year in Meribel where she had the most amazing experience at the World Championships.
"To stand in the start gate at such a pinnacle event was surreal. Surrounded by the hardest working and most talented female skiers in the world was indescribable and inspiring for my 17 year old self. Following this experience I went on to score my best FIS results in a FIS race in Austria. The momentum created from attending such a high level event gave me immense confidence and motivation going forward into my next competitions."
Mikayla aspires to race at the World Cup level someday and her main goal is to reach her full potential in skiing and see wherever that takes her. Mikayla's biggest dream would be to compete at the Winter Olympics.
When Mikayla is not skiing her biggest hobby is reading (at least two books a week) and she also loves cooking especially with friends and family.
