Jacko Gill on his way to another victory over Tom Walsh in the shot put, at the Sir Graeme Douglas International, on Sunday. Photo: Credit: Athletics NZ
Shot-putter Jacko Gill has dominated Tom Walsh once again in a world class battle between the long-time New Zealand rivals.
Gill won the men's title at the Sir Graeme Douglas International meet in Auckland, coming out on top by just under one metre in a duel between the country's premier shot put stars.
In an energetic final round, Gill won gold with a heave of 21.85m, having led the contest from start to finish.
Walsh, in his first outing since an adductor injury sustained at the Paris Olympics, was extremely consistent in a series of throws over the 20m mark, posting a best of 20.86m in the third round.
Walsh, the two-time Olympic bronze medallist, and Gill, who finished sixth at the Tokyo Olympics, have dominated the New Zealand men's shot put scene for more than a decade.
Tiaan Whelpton has national 100m record in his sights, sets residents record
Tiann Whelpton says he is closing in on the New Zealand 100m record. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Canterbury's Tiaan Whelpton set the second-fastest 100-metres of all time by a New Zealander on the track, stopping the clock at 10.10s at the same meet.
He celebrated the blistering time, which was a personal best mark, in his first 100m race of the season.
Just two hundredths of a second shy of the national record of 10.08s held by Eddie Osei-Nketia, Whelpton said he's gaining ground.
"That national record is within my sights," a thrilled Whelpton said.
"I do wish I could have executed a little bit better with these amazing conditions."
Whelpton is gearing up for the world stage, when he will compete at the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China, in March.
And young [middle distance runner Sam Ruthe was back in action], coming second in the men's 1500m, smashing his personal best by eight seconds.
The 15-year-old ran 3m 41.25s in simultaneously setting new marks for the U18 and U20 age-groups. The race was won by Japan's Ryoji Tatezawa.
