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Athletics New Zealand - Weekly update

Monday 18 April 2011, 4:39PM

By Athletics New Zealand

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AUSTRALIA

89th Australian Track & Field Championships, Olympic Park Melbourne – 15/17 April 2011

Tom Walsh finished second in the shot put with 17.58m. Walsh had earlier in the day qualified for the final with 16.40m. Jacko Gill did not travel across for the championships after learning that the event would be conducted from a wooden throwing circle. 

Caroline Mellsop was second in the 3000m steeplechase in 10m 14.17s and Nneka Okpala was third in the triple jump with 12.72m. Wheelchair racer Matthew Lack brought home three silver medals while Holly Robinson gained two medals in AWD throwing events.

New Zealand performances:

15 April: Millie McNie hammer prelim 49.86m q, Damian Smuts hammer prelim 52.21m DNQ, Rebekah Greene 800m hts 2m 8.15s q, Joshua Tattley 800m hts 1m 58.47s DNQ, James Mortimer 400m hurdles hts 52.95s Q, Shay Taylor 400m hurdles 53.09s q, Brent Newdick long jump 6.79m (+1.6) 15th, Nneka Okpala 100m hts 12.61s (-0.9) DNQ, Fiona Morrison 100m hts 12.81s (-1.6) DNQ, Carl Van der Speck 100m hts 10.75s (0.0) Q, Monique Williams 400m hts 55.61s Q, Kristie Baillie 400m hts 55.84s Q, Louise Jones 400m hts 55.59s q, Matthew Lack 400m w’chair hts 53.09s q, 800m w’chair 1m 44.53s 2nd.

16 April: Women’s 400m semi-finals Kristie Baillie 55.29s DNQ, Monique Williams 55.31s DNQ, Louise Jones 55.40s DNQ, Rebekah Greene 1500m hts 4m 23.28s q, 800m final 2m 12.26s 8th, Brett Tingay 1500m hts 3m 50.35s DNQ, Matthew Lack 100m w’chair 16.08s (-1.0) 5th, 400m w’chair 51.57s 2nd, 1500m w’chair 3m 25.80s 2nd. Caroline Mellsop 3000m steeplechase 10m 14.17s 2nd. Nneka Okpala triple jump 12.72m (NWI) 3rd, Jessica Hamill javelin secured F34 13.12m 2nd, Carl Van der Speck 100m SF 10.70s (-1.6) q, Final 10.65s (-0.6) 4th, James Mortimer 400m hurdles 51.86s 5th, Shay Taylor 400m hurdles 54.31s 8th, Billy Crayford high jump 2.08m 5th, Damian Smuts discus 42.56m 11th. Holly Robinson shot put ambulant F46 9.44m 3rd javelin ambulant F46 30.61m 2nd. 

17 April: Shot put qualifying Tom Walsh 16.40m q, Damian Smuts 14.71m q. Jessica Hamill shot put secured F34 6.61m 3rd. Millie McNie hammer 51.32m 5th. Women’s 200m heats Monique Williams 24.54s (-1.6) Q, Louise Jones 25.04s (-0.8) DNQ. Matthew Lack 200m w’chair 28.02s (-2.6) 4th. Fiona Morrison 100m hurdles heats 14.12s (-0.9) Q. Brent Newdick 110m hurdles heats 14.97s (-0.6) q. Rebekah Greene 1500m 4m 20.30s 7th. Tom Walsh shot put 17.58m 2nd, Damian Smuts shot put 14.66m 8th. Monique Williams 200m 24.53s (-1.4) 5th. Brent Newdick 110m hurdles 14.88s (-1.3) 7th. Fiona Morrison 100m hurdles DQ.

 

LONDON

London Marathon – 17 April 2011

Emmanuel Mutai cut half a minute off the course record in winning in 2h 4m 40s and leading Kenya to a clean sweep of the first three placings. Martin Lel was second in 2h 5m 45s, with Patrick Makau third in the same time.

Mary Keitany of Kenya won the women’s section in 2h 19m 19s.

The first overall New Zealand runner was Victoria Fleming from Northcote Point Auckland in 3h 16m 11s after passing the half way in 1h 33m 21s. Fleming (24) finished in 2383 place and was 211 in the women’s section. Fleming was picked from a ballot to run for her chosen charity, the British Heart Foundation. In order to raise funds she put together a recipe book with a difference. “Tried and True from Us to You” features recipes from different chefs, restaurants, cafes and celebrities.

A total of 31 New Zealanders competed in the race.

 

BOSTON

Boston Marathon - 18 April 2011

New Zealand Distance star Kimberley Smith will race in the Boston Marathon early Tuesday (NZ time). Boston Marathon coverage Live on ESPN from 1.30am Tuesday Morning.

 

WELLINGTON

New Zealand Mountain Running Championships, Colonial Knob Porirua – 16 April 2011

Dougan Butler made a significant break through in his running career in winning the New Zealand mountain running crown in Porirua on Saturday.

The 21 year old dairy farmer from Inglewood took control of the demanding 13.3km up and downhill course mid-way through the race and went on to win by 43 seconds in 54m 16s. 

“I’m stoked, I’ve been chasing this one for a while and it has been in the back of my mind I’d like to win,” said a delighted Butler.

Canadian representative James Richardson was second with 2007 champion Angus Bell third in 55m 49s.

The course was made more difficult with the continual rain making the challenging narrow track extremely slippery.

Butler said that the pace was fairly relaxed over the first lap.

“I took over on the second steep climb, James caught me but I managed to pass him again and hold it to the finish,” said Butler.

Butler, who competes for Hawera Harriers, was second in the 2006 junior title race with a third placing in the following two years.

He has been competing since he was 10 and has had the same coach, Warren Drought over that time.

Pre-race favourite Glenn Hughes withdrew after injuring his foot on the first downhill.

Ruby Muir of Tauranga won the women’s title over 8.8km in 42m 40s, beating Tina Harris of Wellington by a wide margin of two and a half minutes.

Sarah Coughlan of Christchurch, who was third in the Kepler Challenge last December, was third 45m 35s. Shay Williamson of Whakatane retained the junior men’s title with Nicole Mitchell collecting the junior women’s title. Grant McLean of Wellington led in the master men’s with Leah Hirschfeld of Pakuranga taking out the master women’s 8.8km.

Results:

Men.-

Senior 13.3km: Dougan Butler (Hawera) 54m 16s 1, James Richardson (Canada) 54m 59s 2, Angus Bell (Tauranga) 55m 49s 3, Stephen Day (Wgtn) 57m 4s 4.

Junior 8.8km: Shay Williamson (Whakatane) 39m 46s 1, Alister Perkinson (HV) 42m 31s 2, Jake Jackson-Grammer (Pal/Nth) 43m 29s 3.

Masters 8.8km: Grant McLean (Wgtn) 39m 56s 1, Nick Hirschfeld (Pakuranga) 40m 32s 2, Paul Forster (Wgtn) 43m 28s 3.

Women.-

Senior 8.8km: Ruby Muir (Tauranga) 42m 40s 1, Tina Harris (Wgtn) 45m 17s 2, Sarah Coughlan (Chch) 45m 35s 3.

Junior 5km: Nicole Mitchell (Wgtn) 20m 24s 1, Elizabeth Bunckenburg (Wgtn) 22m 34s 2, Kathryn Bunckenburg (Wgtn) 22m 45s 3.

Masters 8.8km: Leah Hirschfeld (Pakuranga) 48m 11s 1, Jane Reedy (UK) 49m 48s 2, Wendy Cottrell-Teahan (Feilding) 51m 3s 3, Sheryne Coverdale Beeby (Olympic) 57m 35s 4.

 

CHRISTCHURCH

Hagley Memorial Relay, North Hagley Park – 16 April 2011

New Brighton/Olympic team of Hayden McLaren, Brett Dawber, Dave Ridley, Kerry Faass, James Elvery and Nick Burrow won the senior men relay. Papanui TocH won the master men. University with Nicki McFadzien, Angie Smit, Alex Williams and Fiona Crombie won the senior women’s relay. Port Hills won the master women with University winning the M19 and Christchurch Avon the W19.

Fastest 4km laps: senior men; Andrew Davidson 12m 40s, Brett Dawber 12m 49s, Hayden McLaren 12m 53s, Matt Ingram 13m 1s, James Elvery 13m 12s. M19; Alex Gorrie 12m 39s. Masters; Kerry Faass 13m 2s, Richard Bennett 13m 8s. Senior women; Fiona Crombie 14m 26s, Nicki McFadzien 14m 33s, Lucy Oliver 14m 41s, Whitney Greig 15m 29s, Angie Smit 15m 41s. W19; Ashlee Gunnard 14m 2s, Margot Gibson 15m 0s. Masters; Tracey Crossley 15m 36s.

 

DUNEDIN

28th Three Peaks 26km Mountain Race – 17 April 2011

Norman Dunroy, second in last December’s Kepler Challenge, was the fastest in 2h 4m 47s. Dunroy was competing in the masters section. The open men’s winner was Peter Meffan in 2h 12m 1s from Michael Wakelin 2h 12m 35s. Louisa Andrew a master was the fastest woman in 2h 35m 0s. The open section winner was Whitney Dagg in 2h 44m 16s from Olivia Faull 2h 54m 32s.

 

AUCKLAND

Auckland long distance track walking championships, Pakuranga 17 April 2011

David Sim won the 20,000m championship in 1h 59m 17s from Rodney Thorne 2h 13m 56s. Shirley Barber won the women’s 20,000m in 2h 47m 25s. Paul Jackson won the junior 10,000m championship in 1h 4m 20s from Andrew Jackson 1h 6m 31s.

 

ROUND-UP OF ROAD RACES AROUND THE COUNTRY

Pakuranga 5km 11 April: Peter Wheeler 17m 15s, Hayley Faulconbridge 20m 13s.

O’Hagan’s Viaduct 5km Auckland 12 April: Gavin Stevens 16m 17s, Rachel Bowie 17m 39s. 

Rat Race 5km Takapuna 13 April: Ryan Smith 16m 38s, Anna Bramley 17m 30s.

Alpine Lodge Loop the Lake, 25km around Lake Rotoiti Nelson 17 April: Phil Costley (Nelson) 1h 38m 26s from Tim Bolter (Hokitika) 1h 44m 16s. First woman Helen Gillespie (Hokitika) 2h 4m 16s.

 

USA OUTDOORS

Seminole Invitational, Tallahassee FL 8 April: David Ambler 100m 10.53s (0.0), Erin Nixon 1500m 4m 37.52s (4).

Rafer Johnson – Jackie Joyner Kersee Invitational, Westwood CA 9 April: Marshall Hall discus throw 52.12m (3), Ashley Aitken 800m 2m 12.03s (6), Sarah Saddleton high jump 1.70m (3), Te Rina Keenan discus throw 45.98m (4).

Rutgers Invitational, New Brunswick NJ 9 April: Olivia Burne 1500m 4m 36.69s (1).

George Davis Invitational, Lowell MA 9 April: Alex Wallace 800m 1m 55.14s (1), Laura Nagel 3000m 9m 35.38s (1).

Colorado U Invite, Boulder CO 9 April: Michael Banks 3000m 9m 18.85s (17).

Ole Miss Invitational, Oxford MS 9 April: Willy Hubber SP 13.29m (15), DT 42.12m (16), HT 49.35m (7).

Mason Spring Invitational, Fairfax VA 9 April: Carl Mackenzie 800m 1m 52.49s.

Sun Angel Track Classic, Tempe AZ 9 April: Alice Feslier-Holmes 800m 2m 12.63s (9), Camille Buscomb 1500m 4m 38.05s (25).

Mt SAC Relays, Hilmer Lodge Stadium Mt San Antonio College, Walnut CA 14 April: Ben Ashkettle 10,000m 30m 28.43s. 15 April: 1500m; Alex Wallace 3m 48.01s, Matt Lambert 3m 49.52s, Laura Nagel 4m 23.23s, Ashley Aitken 4m 27.72s, Sarah Saddleton high jump 1.70m, 5000m Paula Whiting 15m 46.91s, Hayley Green 16m 23.67s, Annie Keown 16m 25.97s, Mathew Mildenhall 13m 55.04s, Carl Mackenzie 1500m 3m 53.14s, Dominic Channon 5000m A 13m 59.09s 6th, Daniel Wallis 5000m B 14m 6.85s 5th.

 

LOVELOCK TRACK 50th ANNIVERSARY

The 50th anniversary of the opening of the Lovelock Track on 15 April 1961 was celebrated along with the official opening of the new Owairaka Athletic Club rooms on Friday evening.

The track is notable for the two world records set by Bill Baillie on 24 August 1963. Baillie set a then world 20,000m record of 59m 28.6s and a one hour record of 20,190m.

Famous former Owairaka Club member Sir Murray Halberg cut the ribbon to formally open the new club rooms. In an inspiring address Sir Murray said that it was all about opportunity, providing the opportunity for people to take part in the sport.

 

NZ TEAM MANAGEMENT POSITIONS 

Athletics New Zealand has announced the following team management and support appointments. A number of coaching positions will be announced when team make-up is known.

2011 World Youth Champs, Lille France, 6-10 July

    Team Leader: Terry Lomax

    Team Coach: Didier Poppe

    Team Physiotherapist: Jacinta Horan

2011 University Games, Shenzhen China, 12–23 August

    Team Manager: Ed Fern

    Team Coaches:  TBA

2011 World Track & Field Champs, Daegu South Korea, 27 August–4 September

    Team Manager: Raylene Bates

    Team Coaches: TBA

    Team Physiotherapist: Helen Littleworth

2011 Commonwealth Youth Championships, Isle of Man, 7–13 September

    Team Manager: Lance Smith

    Team Coaches:  TBA

 

OBITUARY

Wellington stalwart Ian Priest died on Wednesday 13 April, aged 68.

Ian is a Life Member of Athletics Wellington and served a term as President. He was a Council member of Athletics New Zealand on four occasions representing Wellington at Athletics NZ AGM in 2002, 2003, 2007 and 2009.

Ian served on numerous committees of Athletics Wellington. He was secretary and chairman of the cross country and road committee and he was the officials coordinator. Until as recently as last month Ian held the key role of Wellington Centre registrar. He was heavily involved at the track making a valuable input into the electronic results system and pre-registration. He was an enthusiastic race director of popular events such as the Hutt River Trial races and the Aurora handicap marathon. He was the president of the Aurora Harrier Club and president of the Petone Lions Club. His funeral was held at the Petone Salvation Army today.