Athletics: 15 selected in Commonwealth Games team

Fifteen track and field athletes were yesterday confirmed in the New Zealand team for the Commonwealth Games in Manchester in July and August.

The door remains open for others to claim a place.

Former world champion discus thrower Beatrice Faumuina, who won the Commonwealth Games gold medal in 1998, will defend her title.

And 50km road walker Craig Barrett will attempt to atone for his collapse close to the finish line while leading in Kuala Lumpur four years ago.

Barrett was forced to pull out of the road race in 1998 because of dehydration.

Valerie Adams, who won a gold medal in the shot put at the world youth championships last year, steps up to the senior circuit and will appear at her first Commonwealth Games.

New Zealand Olympic Committee secretary-general Barry Maister believes the team have every reason to feel confident.

The team contain nine athletes who competed at Kuala Lumpur: Faumuina, Barrett, long jumper Chantal Brunner, marathon runner Phil Costley, pole vaulters Jenny Dryburgh and Melina Hamilton, 50km road walker Tony Sargisson, discus thrower Ian Winchester and hammer thrower Tasha Williams.

United States-based 2000 Olympian Michael Aish, who recently recorded the fifth-fastest time by a New Zealander over 5000m, will contest both the 5000m and 10,000m events.

Athletics New Zealand general manager John Stewart said other athletes close to Games standard were competing overseas and could be added to the squad.

The team: Valerie Adams (Auckland) shot put; Michael Aish (US) 5000m, 10,000m; Craig Barrett (Hamilton) 50km road walk; Chantal Brunner (Auckland) long jump; Phil Costley (Christchurch) marathon; Jenni Dryburgh (Auckland) pole vault; Beatrice Faumuina (Auckland) discus; Gabrielle Gorst (Hastings) 20km road walk; Melina Hamilton (Christchurch) pole vault; John Henwood (Wellington) 10,000m; Craig Kirkwood (Christchurch) marathon; Tony Sargisson (Auckland) 50km road walk; Ian Winchester (US) discus; Tasha Williams (Christchurch) hammer throw; Jonathan Wyatt (Wellington) marathon.

- NZPA