Macleans College student wins New Zealand’s first Olympic Games figure skating medal

A bronze medal was awarded to Dwayne after competing in the short program and free skating events at the Gangwon 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games. Dwayne’s high-level technical skills and memorable artistic performances were on full display during his time on the ice. A highlight of his free skating performance was landing a triple axel - one of the highest level jumps in the sport. Dwayne completed his two events with a combined total of 208.84 points, placing him third behind competitors from Slovakia and South Korea.

During an interview with RNZ, Dwayne commented, ‘I feel very proud to represent New Zealand at such a big event. Seeing the New Zealand flag at the victory ceremony makes me very proud. I feel like all the hard work put in was worth it in the end, and that my training leading up to this has all paid off. It was the first time I’d ever done a triple axel in competition, and I was really pleased to stay on my feet. It was pretty exciting.'

Dwayne began ice skating as a four-year-old in China. Upon arrival in New Zealand, he joined the Allegro Ice Dance Club, and Bess Cao became his coach. Dwayne trains at ice rinks in Botany and Avondale.

In September 2022, Dwayne attended the ISU Junior Grand Prix in Latvia. Last February, he travelled to Canada to compete in the 2023 World Junior Figure Skating Championships as the first qualified kiwi and the youngest competitor to compete at this ISU highest level event.

To date in the 2023-2024 season, Dwayne has won a bronze medal at the Junior Grand Prix (JGP) in Thailand - New Zealand’s first-ever JGP medal. He placed second at the Asian Open Figure Skating Trophy and fifth in the JGP event in Japan.