Athletics: Teen makes it three for the record book

By MURRAY McKINNON

Valerie Adams added her name to the New Zealand athletics record book for the third time with a national under-18 hammer throw record of 49.17m at Mt Smart Stadium.

Adams already holds the New Zealand under-20 and under-18 shot put records.

The top secondary school athlete, who broke Beatrice Faumuina's school records in Hamilton last December, has set herself a demanding task at the New Zealand championship in Hastings next weekend.

Adams has entered seven events, the senior, under-20 and under-18 hammer throw, the under-20 and under-18 discus throw and the senior and under-18 shot put. Adams will be defending the three under-18 titles.

On Saturday Adams also won the shot put with 15.38m.

A further New Zealand under-18 record may have been broken, by James Mortimer in the 100m hurdles. The leading secondary schools hurdler stormed through in the rain over the hurdles in a time a number watching clocked at under 14 seconds.

Unfortunately the photo timer was not operating, leaving Mortimer without a time and the record remaining at 14.23s set by Nic O'Brien four years ago.

Andrea McBride, who won the three javelin throw national titles, senior, under-20 and under-18 at last year's New Zealand championships in Christchurch, warmed up for the senior and under 20 titles in Hastings with a throw of 40.06m.

Gus Nketia sharpened up for his assault on reclaiming the national sprint title in Hastings with a fast 10.4s over 100m. Robbie Johnston and Alan Bunce went head to head over 3000m, Johnston outkicking Bunce in 8m 6.61s.