Athletics: Donaldson proves form with fine win

Chris Donaldson was delighted with his first-up 200m performance at the second meeting in the Grand Prix series at Cooks Gardens in Wanganui last night.

Donaldson, on the comeback after injury, ran a perfect bend and sprinted clear in the main straight, winning in 21.95s from Craig Bearda, of Counties, who was well back in 22.72s.

The time was all the more outstanding given that Donaldson had to face a strong headwind of 5.8 metres a second down the final straight.

Donaldson said he was more relaxed than in his 100m victory in Wellington on Friday and was delighted given the conditions to break 22s.

Beatrice Faumuina had her opening discus throw of the season and led the competition with a distance of 61.73m. Faumuina was ranked seventh in the world last year with 65.05m, and won the gold medal at the Commonwealth Games.

Craig Barrett, despite the blustery conditions, improved on his 5000m track walk time from Friday night, recording 20m 11.80s.

Caro Hunt, three times New Zealand women's sprint champion, added the 200m in 24.38s to the 100m victory on Friday.

Rebecca Wardell followed up her record over 400m hurdles on Friday, edging out Jane Arnott for second in 24.42s.

Monique Williams, from Tokoroa, the New Zealand under-18 and secondary schools 400m champion, continued her winning way by taking the 400m in 56.43s.