Athletics: Gill qualifies for London with ease

Jacko Gill. Photo / Getty Images

Not many ordinary 16-year-olds would be disappointed after qualifying for their first Olympic Games, but Jacko Gill is no ordinary 16-year-old.

Last night at North Shore's Sovereign Stadium, Gill threw the senior shot 20.38m beating the qualifying standard by 8cm and trumping his personal best by a whopping 37cm.

There were no wild celebrations, however, more a sense of a lost opportunity. In warm-ups, Gill stunned onlookers with a throw that was not officially measured, but was 20.75m. Even that remarkable effort was 25cm shorter than the target the Auckland teenager had in mind.

"I had two competitions today and didn't hit the 6kg shot too bad, but obviously I hit the 7.26kg a lot better in warm-ups," Gill said.

"I wasn't too happy with the distance but it's an Olympic qualifying mark so I can't be too angry with it. It's pretty cool, but I'm not happy just to qualify. I don't want to go over to London to fill out the numbers."

Gill's throw would been enough for eighth place in the final at this year's world championships in Daegu, Korea. Only four throwers got to 21m, so a throw of that length would put him among the elite at an age when most are more worried about passing their NCEA results.

In other words, he has no reason to fear that he will be just making up the numbers.

"I wanted a lot more. I wanted 21m, but that's okay. I've got to rest up and try to come out next Monday and get that 21m.

"I'll see how it goes."

Gill has three meetings in the three weeks before he turns 17 to try to get his age-group records to a point where they won't be surpassed for a long time. In the 15-, 16- and 17-year-old age groups, he holds records across the three weights - 5kg, 6kg and the senior 7.26kg shot.

Last night he tossed the 6kg shot 22.31m, further extending his 16- and 17-year records. In the 18 age-group, current world senior champion Dave Storl holds the 6kg mark at 22.79m, while American Michael Carter holds the 7.26kg mark at 20.65m. Both marks are well within Gill's grasp.

While Gill's age-group efforts are well known inside athletic circles, many thought Rio de Janeiro 2016 was a more realistic stage upon which to announce his Olympic presence.

"People told me it was a reality that I could make the London Olympics so I guess I always thought it was a possibility," said Gill, who is coached by Didier Poppe, the French throwing guru who was briefly Valerie Adams' mentor.

"I always believed in myself. I never set low goals."

His goals for last night, post-competition were much more in line with an ordinary teenager.

"I'm just going to rest now. I'm pretty tired. I need some sleep.

"I'll have a nice steak first. Steak and potatoes sounds good."