Attack robs runner of Games chance

Dale Summerville, resting at his Waiuku home, has been told not to run. Picture / Greg Bowker

A New Year's Eve attack on middle-distance runner Dale Summerville has left him unable to try out for the Commonwealth Games.

The assault occurred the same night another games hopeful, cyclist Gordon McCauley, was knocked off his bike in Manukau by a hit-and-run driver.

Mr Summerville, 24, was assaulted shortly before midnight as he walked along Pauanui beach with friends.

His eye socket was ruptured and cheekbone fractured in several places after he was pushed and kicked in the head.

Two doctors among his friends patched him up.

Mr Summerville, of Waiuku, was to take part in athletic trials in Christchurch in about three weeks, but doctors have told him to avoid running until the injuries heal.

Mr Summerville underwent surgery at Middlemore Hospital this week.

Metal plates and gauze were used to rebuild his cheekbone in a two-hour operation by three surgeons.

Mr Summerville said he had no idea who attacked him or why.

"I can't exactly remember being hit, just the blood and pain."

Mr Summerville said it was his first New Year's Eve at his family's Pauanui holiday home in two years.

He had been living in New York, where he graduated from Stony Brook University with a double degree in business and economics.

He had attended the university for four years on an athletics scholarship.

"I spent last New Year's at Queens, and the one before that in Dublin, and nothing happened.

"I come back to sleepy Pauanui and this happens."

Mr Summerville said it would have been a long shot for him to qualify for the games, but he had been looking forward to just taking part in the trials as he had not participated in the New Zealand track season since he went to the United States.

His injuries also meant he would miss the opportunity to try for a place in the New Zealand team to attend the World Cross Country Championships.

He was a participant at last year's run in France.

Mr Summerville had also run in the World University Games in Turkey, where he came 19th in the final of the 5000m.

Mr McCauley, who was knocked off his bike on his way to a New Year's Eve party in Waihi, was left with a broken wrist and facial injuries.

But he is determined to make it to the games.

"I'll be there if it kills me."

Mr McCauley said he had been able to train indoors thanks to a removable splint but his wrist was not yet up to outdoor training.

He hoped to compete in the Tour of Wellington in a few weeks.