The national track and field championships begin today in Hastings, running until tomorrow, having been postponed from the start of March due to Covid-19.
The rivalry between Shay Veitch and Felix McDonald provides arguably the most interesting Otago story of the championships.
They enter as the two favourites for the event.
Veitch’s 7.66m personal best is the longest jump in the country in several years, but McDonald performed on the big stage a year ago to win the title.
They will both compete in the 100m as well, although will face stiff competition from around the country there.
Oli Chignell and Rebekah Greene provide distance running medal prospects.
Chignell had an impressive record-breaking summer and will line up in what looks to be fast 1500m and 5000m fields.
Greene has been among New Zealand’s best in the 800m and 1500m and will race in both events.
Rosie Elliott, who was among the country’s top sprinters a year ago, will compete in the 100m and 200m after an injury-ravaged season.
John Gerber also provides a strong contender in the 400m, having won the under-20 title the past two years.
Paralympic gold medallist Anna Grimaldi will bring top form in the para women’s 100m and long jump, but will also contend in the senior women’s long jump.
Paralympian Holly Robinson will compete in both the para and senior women’s javelin.
Jess Gillan and Caitlin Dore, who went to Rio in 2016, will compete in the para shot put.
Ethan Walker will provide a strong contender in the under-20 and senior javelin, with Anton Schroeder and Michael Mitchell joining him in the seniors.
Todd Bates will be a strong contender in the men’s hammer. Jade Zaia and Zharna Beattie are both chances of medals in the senior men’s and under-20 women’s discus respectively.
Cameron Moffitt will be among favourites in both under-20 hurdles events, showing his versatility in entering the shot put and long jump too.
