Master of the hammer throw

At 92, Pauline Purser is still an ace at the hammer throw. Photo / George Novak

She may be 92, but Pauline Purser can still hammer-throw with the best of them.

Miss Purser competed at the New Zealand Masters Athletics Championships at Tauranga Domain on Saturday and Sunday.

She joined the Waikato Bay of Plenty Masters club at 70 and before this, had never done athletics, except for a bit at school.

"I started because my friend was busy with their events and I thought blow it, I can do that instead of sitting around waiting.

"So I did that and I've been doing it ever since.

"Every meeting I go to, I'm always the oldest - man or woman."

Miss Purser competes about three times a year in Masters games throughout the country, participating in the throwing events.

Her favourite event is the hammer throw.

"I like doing the hammer, it's very exciting.

Her love of competition keeps her in the sport.

"I enjoy the competition and I enjoy the people who compete. I see the same friends and beautiful people.

"All the athletes are beautiful people.

"They are so nice to me because I am old. They are very kind, they help me get up from my chair - not that I'm not capable."

Miss Purser said she did not do much to keep fit.

"I can't walk very far but I give it a go."

Waikato Bay of Plenty Masters vice-president Bruce Solomon said Miss Purser was an "amazing lady and athlete".

Mr Solomon believed she was the oldest woman athlete in New Zealand.