The national track and field championships made a flying start in picture-perfect conditions in Dunedin yesterday.
Streams of fans packed into the Caledonian, creating a wonderful buzz as they cheered on their local favourites and some of New Zealand’s most promising talent to start the bumper four-day event.
Paralympians Mitch Joynt and William Stedman were the highlight of the opening day, as was Otago runner Oli Chignell, who had the crowd right behind him as he won the men’s 5000m.
But the championships lift to another notch today as some of New Zealand’s top elite talent bring their craft to the field.
Olympic shot putter Maddi Wesche, who won silver in Paris, is the big drawcard in her first competition this season as she looks to defend her national title.
Olympic javelin thrower Tori Moorby (nee Peeters) — who grew up in Gore — makes her return to the Caledonian and Olympic discus thrower Connor Bell is also in the ring.
World under-20 triple jump champion Ethan Olivier is the other to keep an eye on.
They are all in action from 3.45pm onwards.
After stunning conditions yesterday, the weather forecast is expected to be slightly dull with patches of drizzle today.
