A packed-out crowd at the Caledonian were still in for an absolute treat when Hobbs cruised to her ninth national women’s 100m title at the national athletics championships at the weekend.
Hobbs, who is the fastest woman in Oceania, set a world-leading time of 11.11sec in bitter conditions.
"I literally had three long sleeves on, two pairs of pants, rugged up in a blanket right before the line, so I’m happy," Hobbs said.
"I would’ve liked faster and ... I feel like I was in PB [personal best] form and that I could have run a PB had it been the right conditions.
"But I can’t be mad with 13°C and an 11.11."
Despite the cold, a massive crowd hung around to watch Hobbs in action as the final headliner on Saturday night.
"I always love turning up to a national champs and having a crowd like this. I think it helps elevate my performance.
"I always look forward to this time of year and having lots of support."
Fans were spoilt for choice on Saturday with both ends of the Caledonian heaving with supporters to watch Olympians Hamish Kerr and Tom Walsh.
"It’s obviously a huge honour," Kerr said.
"I think it’s about my ninth one at this point, which makes me feel a wee bit old.
"It’s always nice to come out in front of a Kiwi crowd."
Kerr felt his performances left "a bit to be wanted".
"That’s what early season’s about. It’s — you know — slaying those dragons, so to speak.
"I’m feeling like I’m in a good place ... this is proof that I’ve got what it takes to compete and I’m looking forward to getting overseas and starting to compete."
Kerr, who was born in Dunedin, visited his old house yesterday, and planned to cruise home via Castle Street, and loved being back at the Caledonian.
"I love coming back here — I love Dunedin."
Walsh dazzled the crowd to secure his 15th national title — which included one discus title — his first in three years.
He was preparing for an almighty battler against fellow Olympian and reigning national champion Jacko Gill, but Gill pulled up with a niggle during the warmup and was scratched.
"Obviously it would have been nice to do it with Jacko here, right?" Walsh said.
"It was good, kind of solid throwing, not quite probably as far as I wanted it, but considering the weather, and a few other things, it was OK."
Walsh, Kerr and Hobbs now all head overseas for the world indoor championships in China later this month.
Olympian Lauren Bruce produced a season's best of 69.89m to win the women’s hammer throw.
Tiaan Whelpton was in blistering form to win another national men’s 100m title in 10.19sec.
Waikato runner Madeleine Waddell was on fire to with the women’s 400m title.
Waddell, daughter of Olympic rowers Rob and Sonia Waddell, won her maiden senior title — and set the national under-18, under-19 and under-20 national records in the process — with her time of 52.62sec.
She also won the women’s under-20 200m.
They both finished with a time of 3min 44.31sec to be crowned joint champions.
