Athletics: Adams eyes spot at champs

By MURRAY McKINNON

Valerie Adams will seek a world championship qualifying performance in the shot put at the New Zealand track and field championships starting in Dunedin today.

The 18-year-old world youth and junior champion has a best this season of 18.01m, but needs 18.55m to cement a place in the team.

"It is the big issue for me, it is the 18.55 that I am after," Adams said.

It would place Adams in the top 15 in the world and on target for a bold showing at the world championships in Paris in August.

A win would give Adams her third senior women's title in a row. She will also contest the senior hammer throw and under-20 discus.

Craig Barrett, fresh from his second placing in the international grand prix 50km road walk in Mexico, should add two more national titles to his 20.

Barrett will compete in the 3000m track walk and the 20km road event.

"I place a lot of importance on the New Zealand champs, and I want to maintain my position as the leading male in the Bartercard Grand Prix series," said Barrett.

Beatrice Faumuina should make it title number 10 in the women's discus throw. Faumuina has been impressive this season with a best throw of 65.53m.

James Dolphin, surprise winner of the senior 100m title last year, will concentrate on the 200m in Dunedin. The 19-year-old will face Chris Donaldson in the senior 200m as well as contesting the under-20 200m.

Toni Hodgkinson should collect the women's 800m/1500m double. April Brough is down to compete in the senior 100m, 200m and 100m hurdles and the under-20 100m.