Olympic Games gold medallist leads New Zealand track and field stars to Delhi

NEW DELHI: Beijing Olympic Games shot put gold medallist Valerie Vili and 1500m silver medallist Nick Willis are among the several stars named by New Zealand in its first batch of track and field squad to compete at the Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi. They will defend their 2006 gold medals while discus thrower Beatrice Faumuina with attempt to win her third Commonwealth Games gold medal.

Beijing Olympians Stuart Farquar (javelin), Adrian Blincoe (5000m) and Rebecca Wardell (heptathlon) are also in the initial line-up as is Beijing Paralympian Jessica Hamil (F34 shotput), according to a release by the New Zealand Olympic Committee.

“Athletics is a high profile Commonwealth Sport and we’ve got a strong team heading to Delhi,” NZOC Secretary-General Mr. Barry Maister said. “Legends like John Walker and Peter Snell are born at the Commonwealth Games and I’m excited to see what athletes like Vili and Willis will achieve in Delhi. These household names are joined by younger athletes who have exciting future ahead of them and the Commonwealth Games are where it all begins.”

High-jumping teenager Liz Lamb is one such young athlete and is heading for her first Commonwealth Games. At just 18 years of age, Lamb will aim to beat her personal best of 1.85m and gain valuable experience in the international multi-sport environment before setting her sights on the London Olympic Games in 2012.

High Performance Director Mr. Kevin Ankram has similar hopes for other newcomers including Brent Newdick, Nikki Hamblin and Monique Williams. “I am hopeful that our up-and-coming athletes can continue to improve and use Delhi as an opportunity to fine tune their skills at a championship event,” he said.

Since 1930 New Zealand has won 117 Commonwealth Games medals in athletics. New Zealand athletes must demonstrate they are capable of finishing within the top six at the Commonwealth Games to meet New Zealand Olympic Committee selection criteria for Delhi.

The squad:

Men: 1500m: Nick Willis; 5000m Adrian Blincoe; Javelin throw: Stuart Farquhar and Decathlon: Brent Newdick.

Women: 200m: Monique Williams; 800m/1500m Nikki Hamblin; 100m hurdles Andrea Miller; High jump: Elizabeth Lamb; Shot put: Valerie Vili; Discus throw: Beatrice Faumuina; Heptathlon: Rebecca Wardell and F34 shot put: Jessica Hamill.