Athletics: 'Fun' approach brings third heptathlon title

BY MURRAY McKINNON

Nicola Kidd of Counties yesterday added the New Zealand heptathlon title to the twin national hurdles titles she won last week in Hastings.

Competing at Papakura, Kidd was just one point ahead of Bridgette Pateman of Canterbury going into the last event, the 800m, but extended that lead to 91 points after running seven seconds faster than her rival in 2m 22.08s.

"I'm thrilled with the title, in which I did five personal bests, but I'm not built for the event, so it's more of a fun thing," Kidd said. She finished with 4716 points.

David Hansen set a Southland record in winning the senior decathlon with 6850 points. Hansen, who lives in Christchurch but has maintained his Southland connection, also set a record of 4.30m in the pole vault.

After finishing third in the championship twice before, Hansen said that Sean Gourley of Canterbury, the defending champion, was his motivation to come back and succeed.

It was a longer road to the title than usual for Hansen. "I hope it is the last time I have to do 11 events in a decathlon," said Hansen.

The 23-year-old was referring to the fact that the 100m was run twice, after a false start was not recalled. Gourley was second on 6399 and Brent Booker third.

In other racing at the multi-event championships, Alan Bunce won his first national 3000m title in 8m 1.55s. Nina Rillstone took out the women's 3000m title.