Sprinter dashes across the Tasman to compete in nationals

Young sprinter Eddie Osei-Nketia has made a quick trip across the Tasman to compete at the National Athletics Championships in Hastings this weekend.

The arrival of the 20 year old, who has been living with his family in Australia in recent months, sets up a showdown with Tiaan Whelpton who has been running similar times this summer.

The pair will compete in both the 100 and 200 metres.

Osei-Nketia had always hoped to compete at the nationals, but this weeks change in MIQ requirements made the trip a lot easier.

He has already qualified for this year’s Commonwealth Games but has yet to achieve a mark for the world championships, while Whelpton is yet to qualify for either.

Weather permitting Hastings probably provides the pair with the best chance of a fast time otherwise they’ll have to rely on meetings in Australia in the coming months.

Whelpton ran a personal best in the 100 metres in Hastings in January.

Elsewhere the inform Zoe Hobbs, who has bettered the 100m national record three times this summer, should dominate the women’s sprints.

Portia Bing has the chance to gain a Commonwealth Games A-qualifying standard in the 400 hurdles.

Olympic bronze medalist Tom Walsh will be chasing his 13th successive shot put title, while Jacko Gill will compete domestically for the first time this season, chasing his first national title.

High jumper Hamish Kerr could challenge his own national record mark of 2.31 metres.

Pole-vaulter Olivia McTaggart will be hoping to backup the personal best of 4.60 metres she recorded in Hastings earlier this year which qualified for the Commonwealth Games.

Paralympic gold medalists, shot-putter Lisa Adams, long jumper Anna Grimaldi and javelin thrower Holly Robinson are all taking part.

Last year Robinson became the first para-athlete in history to win a national senior medal with a silver medal in the women’s javelin.

The age-group competition is Thursday and Friday, while the senior events are over the weekend.