Unstoppable on the track

Johnson Li Claims Year 8 Cross-Country Victory

Johnson Li racing towards the finish line breaking New Zealand’s records for the first time. Photo supplied by Aims Media

Twelve-year-old Johnson Li has done it again, securing a consecutive first-place victory at the Zespri AIMS Games cross country.  

Competing in the Year 8 division, Johnson equalled the Year 8 boys’ course record set in 2022 by NZ 1500m champion, Sam Ruthe

Johnson was one of five competitors to make a record-equaling or record-breaking run on the green slopes of Waipuna Park in Tauranga’s Welcome Bay. 

Representing Newlands Intermediate School, the 12-year-old achieved back-to-back triumphs, topping both the Year 7 boys’ podium last year and now claiming the Year 8 crown with a blistering time of exactly 10 minutes flat. 

On the finish line of the 3-kilometre race, he turned to hug second place winner Lachie Scott. 

Out of the chute, Johnson’s friends swamped him. “You’re a legend bro” said one. Another shouted: “He cooked!” 

Johnson said he felt fine after the race.  

“I didn’t feel the best at the start, but when I got to the start of the steep hill, I started to make a move and started boosting it.”  

Johnson believed he ran faster this year than last. 

His brother Wilson, who ran next to cross country runner Robert Hunt in the adapted race, has been training Johnson and said he’d made huge strides over the past year.