For most Kiwis representing New Zealand at one sport is a feat, but one young Canterbury athlete will carry the silver fern on his chest in two world cups in two different sports.
Logan Van Beek, who was named in the New Zealand Under 19 world cup cricket team yesterdayt, could accurately be described as multi-talented.
The all-rounder was a point guard for the Junior Tall Blacks in the FIBA World Under 19 Championship for men, which was held in Auckland in July. He is also part of the Auckland Stars NBL side and the Junior Breakers.
Many would think juggling two sports at an international level would be next to impossible, but Van Beek is humble about the opportunities he has been given and is cool under pressure. “It was harder when I was at school. But I feel privileged to be playing both sports,” he said.
“Sometimes the two sports clash and I’ve had to take time off from cricket to prepare for basketball, but most of the time I play cricket in the summer and basketball in the winter.”
He also has some advice for other wanting to represent the country in more than one sport. “Just keep playing as many sports as you can, take advantage of all the opportunities you are given and ensure you keep your standards high.”
He has not made his first-class debut, but was recently 12th man for the Canterbury Wizards in a Plunket Shield match against the Volts. “It was a great experience and it’s good looking behind the scenes and talking to the likes of Bond, Martin and Fulton about what it’s like to be an international cricketer.”
Related Links
Van Beek has been in dominant form with both bat and ball during the Under 19 national tournament in Auckland during the past week and is expected to make a big contribution to New Zealand’s efforts to claim their first ICC Under 19 World Cup title in New Zealand during January.
