Athletics: Magical 10s pushes sprint battle

By Suzanne McFadden

Kiwi quick man Chris Donaldson reckons you will never see a smarter sprint in New Zealand - and he's thriving on the tension.

In the middle lane of the Sovereign Stadium track in Auckland tonight will stand one of the world's fastest humans, Frankie Fredericks.

Flanking him will be Donaldson and Australian Matt Shirvington - both battling to become the first white man to run under 10s.

The Robin Tait Classic sprint line-up is completed by Chilean Sebastian Keitel, fourth in the world over 200m, New Zealand record-holder Gus Nketia, 1995 world grand prix final winner Australian Damien Marsh and two promising Kiwis, Matthew Coad and Donald McDonald.

Where Fredericks is happy not to have to run at home in Namibia because he does not like the pressure of performing for his local fans, Donaldson thrives on it.

"I love it. You've got to live up to expectations. It's an opportunity for me to run in front of my friends and my family who wouldn't usually get the chance to see me," he said.

Donaldson, who ran second to Fredericks in the 200m at the Porritt Classic last Friday, is relishing the opportunity of running next to the four-time Olympic silver medallist.

"That three metres between me and Frankie in the 200m is the difference between me winning the gold at the Olympics. I know what I've got to do."

Running next to Fredericks is an honour, rather than a hindrance.

"When the gun goes I actually don't know what happens. I'm in a trance when I run across the finish line. I'm aware of people around me, but I can't take any notice of them," Donaldson said.

"But I have to be careful not to try too hard. Frankie is exceedingly quick. He's the favourite because he is No 1 in the world at the moment.

"I could finish second or maybe even win. I never count myself out - when you do that it's all over.

"If the conditions are right - just a small tailwind, not too cold - you could see anything here. Maybe even a sub 10-second."

Promoter Graeme Avery has put up a $10,000 bonus to anyone who breaks the magical 10s mark.

Donaldson will also have a personal battle with Shirvington, who edged him out by 0.02s across the Tasman a fortnight ago.

It will be a comeback race for two of the New Zealanders in the field.

Nketia is on his way back from a broken leg, while national junior record-holder McDonald has returned to the track after 18 months out with a foot injury.

Other events to look out for tonight.-

*The women's pole vault - a joust between world No 1 Emma George and Tatyana Gregoryeva, whose personal best of 4.45m in Hamilton last week lifted her to No 4 in the world.

* The men's 800m - Patrick Ndururi, the world No 2, versus New Zealander Shaun Farrell.

* The men's javelin - the best field to assemble in New Zealand, with four of the 13 men who have thrown 88m or more. German Raymond Hecht, No 3, leads the field.

* The women's 400m - Czech Helena Fuchsova, sixth in 1998, against Kiwi sprint queen Jane Arnott. (Olympic silver medallist Cathy Freeman has pulled out of the meeting injured).

Pictured: Frankie Fredericks.