Evelyn Williamson, first Kiwi to compete, feeling relaxed, ready

By CHRIS RATTUE and NZPA

The Australian strength is there for all to see but there are another 45 world-class athletes doing their utmost to ensure a home 1-2-3 doesn't happen.

One is New Zealand's first competitor of these Games, Evelyn Williamson.

The 29 year-old Williamson is ranked in the high 20s but has achieved beyond that in her career, including finishing third at the world championships in Switzerland two years ago.

"She is far more relaxed than I've seen her before World Cup races," national coach Jack Ralston said.

"Anything can happen on the day and Evelyn has shown that when the chips are down in big events she can pull out very good performances.

"She finished second in Geneva two weeks ago ... anything can happen on the day."



There are the more fancied Americans, Jennifer Gutierrez, Sheila Taormina and Joanna Zeiger to contend with.

And Canada's Carol Montgomery, the world championship silver medallist, is the best runner in the field, as evidenced by her appearance later in the Games in the 10,000m.