The twins look alike, train together, race for Hill City-University, compete in all the same events and are even taking part in their first South Island Colgate Games together.
The 9-year-olds were among the crowd of more than 1000 athletes aged 7 to 14 — the largest South Island field in the history of the games — basking in the sun on the track and in the field during the opening day at the Caledonian Ground in Dunedin yesterday.
Ollie and Freddie have busy days ahead of them, as they compete in the 60m, 80m, 100m, long jump and shot put.
They both love competing in athletics, which they started when they were 5, making new friends through the sport and supporting each other.
Harlow Pate (9) was one of those. She travelled from New South Wales to visit her cousins in Dunedin and decided to try her luck against some Kiwi competition.
"I wanted to show the New Zealand people that Australia’s really fast," Harlow said.
"I really wanted to do it because I love athletics so much and I wanted to meet new friends in New Zealand."
Athletics New Zealand youth lead Fiona Maisey said it was amazing to see the largest turnout for the games, as was watching the children try the various disciplines and the camaraderie the games provided.
"This is about participation — it’s about having fun.
"There will be some kids who pick up medals, but there’ll be way more who don’t.
"Obviously, as child athletes, we really don’t know what their future holds, so this is just about giving everything a go."
It was "really lovely" to bring the games back to Dunedin in a big weekend for athletics. The city is also hosting the Dick Tayler commemorative national 10,000m championships.
"They’ve certainly turned on the weather for us and we hope it lasts for the whole weekend."
