Athletics: Second vaulter forced out of Games

MANCHESTER - Emma Draisey became the second New Zealand pole vaulter to have her Games hopes ruined after a spectacular accident in training yesterday.

Draisey's pole snapped during a practice leap and a sharp edge stabbed into her elbow, leaving her in some distress.

She had recovered sufficiently to walk with the New Zealand team in yesterday's opening ceremony, but was to undergo exploratory surgery, athletics team manager Ken Simpson said.

"She will have a general anaesthetic, which means she's not going to be in good shape for a few days, so I'd say it's very unlikely she'll be able to compete in the qualifying on Sunday.

"We have to do it because they want to check if any nerves have been damaged and if there are any bits of carbon fibre still in the elbow."

The disaster for 23-year-old Draisey follows on the heels of the withdrawal of fellow Aucklander Jenni Dryburgh.

Dryburgh pulled out this week, citing loss of form and the belief that she would not perform well enough.

New Zealand still have one competitor left in the pole vault, Melina Hamilton.

- NZPA

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