Athletics: Riana Phillips soars to high jump title

A first-time clearance at 1.65m at the 2012 Athletics New Zealand National Track and Field Championships gave Whangarei's Riana Phillips a new personal best performance, a new W17 and a new W20 Athletics Northland record and most importantly, the Athletics New Zealand W17 High Jump Title.

The 17-year-old pipped Wellington's Valerie Chan and Waikato Bay of Plenty's Amelia Hamilton for gold and the national accolade, with Chan and Hamilton winning silver and bronze respectively.

"After clearing a PB, I knew there was a chance of a medal but I never expected gold - I was thrilled," Phillips said following the recent championships held at Waitakere.

It was a great performance following her disappointment in missing a medal in the final of the W17 400m the day before, where she finished fourth in a time of 59.96 (her second fastest time).

On day one of the championships, fellow Athletics Whangarei competitors Imogen Hull, 14, finished fourth in the final of the W17 3000m and Hazel Tana, 14, ran a PB (2:21.69) in the W17 800m heats. This time sees Tana join Phillips and Hull in the national rankings.

On the final day of competition, Tana and Hull ran in the final of the W17 1500m. Despite both running under five minutes (another PB for Tana) neither could stick with the leaders.

The three girls are coached by Athletics Whangarei's Chris Portch who was delighted with Phillips' success. "For Riana it was the ultimate performance, a national title with a lifetime best. I am really grateful for all the support provided by Athletics Whangarei for the girls and myself."

Also competing was 18-year-old EJ Nathan representing Kaitaia Athletic Club who finished sixth in the shot (14.33m, PB) and seventh in the discus.