Denzel Dance in hip hop. Seb Wheeler in mountain biking. Cody Waters in swimming. And basketballers with the last names Hooper and Fowler.

It’s almost written in the stars. These young athletes at the Zespri AIMS Games have names that match their sports.

And they’re not alone. There’s footballer Cale Field, swimmer Finn Wishnowsky, a Zephyr Lane in sailing, and a gymnast Hayley Rolls.

AIMS Games’ Cira Olivier caught up with some of them this week and will let them do the talking.

Denzel Dance, 12, Mount Maunganui Intermediate, Hip Hop

With a name like Denzel Dance, do you think you were always destined to be a dancer?

Ha ha. That’s funny. I have always wanted to be a dancer. Mum showed me a video this week of me dancing on stage when I was 4 so I started early. I have always loved it. As soon as I was walking, I was dancing!

My middle name is John, so people call me DJ Dance. I have definitely never met another DJ Dance!

Have you ever met another dancer with the name Dance?

Yes, my grandparents are great dancers, but they are a bit too old to compete at AIMS Games!

Can you sum up your AIMS Game experience so far?

It’s been such a good vibe. I have loved meeting new people that are dancers and cheering them on as they perform. I have also loved eating the free Zespri kiwifruit each day!

Seb Wheeler, 11, Glendowie School, Mountain Biking

Do you think you were always destined to be a mountain biker?

Yeah, because I like it. Especially with the jumps. My middle name is Enzo (like the Ferrari) so I like to go fast.

Have you ever met another mountain biker with the name Wheeler?

My brother Max rode in the AIMS MTB last year, and my younger brother Ash rides too.

Are you a first-generation mountain biker?

The family is relatively new to mountain biking having got into it over the past few years. But we now love the sport as a family, and the AIMS Games is such an awesome event. I’ll be back next year.

Cody Waters, 12, Somerville Intermediate School, Swimming

Tell us about your name.

No one in my family with the last name Waters has gone as far as I have. I have dedicated hours of my free time to attend all my training sessions so that I could get to where I am today. I am only here today thanks to the support of my friends, teammates, and my coach.

Leo Fowler, 13, Taumata School, 5x5 Basketball

Do you think you were always destined to be a basketballer?

Yes.

Have you ever met another basketballer with the name Fowler?

No.

Do you find you live up to your name? I sense that you foul a lot.

Yes, at least two fouls per game.

Can you sum up your AIMS Game experience so far?

Exciting, intimidating, hard, sore muscles, fun!

Are you a first-generation basketballer?

I started playing basketball at school last year, this year is my first year playing in a team. My grandad, Brian Fowler, who passed away before I was born, played basketball. But I didn’t find that out until I started playing. It feels good to have a connection to him. I am tall like him and that helps me to be a better player.

Hugo Hooper, 12, Waiheke High School, 5x5 Basketball

Do you think you were always destined to be a basketballer?

I didn’t always think I was going to be a basketball player, but when I first started playing basketball, I thought it was pretty good to be good at the game with the name Hooper.

Have you ever met another basketballer with the name Hooper?

Yes, I do now, cause I have a little brother Monte who also loves basketball and is really good at it. He will be at AIMS Games in a couple of years playing for Waiheke High School.

Can you sum up your AIMS Game experience so far?

It’s been so much fun; it is definitely the highlight of my year, and I have really enjoyed the challenge of the tough competition.

I have loved spending a week with my best mates at AIMS Games playing basketball.

Are you a first generation basketballer?

Yes I am, my mum and dad can’t play basketball haha. But they do love sports, my mum organised the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2021, and my dad works for Emirates Team NZ.

Cira Olivier