Young steeplechaser shines

Athletic Whangarei's 14-year-old Rachel Martin emerged as the star of Northland's athletes at Waikato/Bay of Plenty's Open Meet, at Porritt Stadium in Hamilton.
Having recently broken the standard required for entry to the Women's 16 years 2000m steeplechase at the National Club Championships in Christchurch next month, Martin grabbed the opportunity to test herself against top-ranked Jenna Hanson, 16, from Hamilton Hawks on Saturday.
Martin held on tenaciously throughout the gruelling race that includes 19 hurdles and five water-jumps, but eventually had to concede to the older, more experienced Hanson.
Coach Chris Portch was elated with Martin's performance.
"At only 14, with another two years in this age group, and new to the event - and considering she has not yet had the advantage of training on an all-weather track, Rachel has shown a lot of potential and although she is unlikely to feature in the medal positions at nationals, I am confident she will be a finalist and is capable of running under eight minutes next season," Portch said.
"With Melissa Simpson [1500m] and Tayla Going [400m] also qualified for the nationals, Athletics Whangarei has five girls in the W16 age group. With each of the girls capable of running a good 400m there will also be a 4 x 400m relay squad at the meeting," the coach added.
"I am excited at the prospect of the team performing well at the nationals."
 Sixty-year-old  Portch also surprised many with his own form as a masters' athlete when he strode around the track, covering 300m in a very quick 56.3 and setting a new Northland Men's 60 record. And later in the afternoon, he  broke the Northland M60 record for the 400m flat.