FINALISED !!!
On a wet and drizzly morning at Apia Park, Beteru Ateri - running from Lane 2 in Heat 1 of the M400m. Hurdles - hit the first hurdle, but managed to hold together his form well enough to finish strongly 4th. of the 5 starters. His time broke his own National Record, setting a new mark of 59.21 secs. The failure of one of his competitors to finish also resulted in Beteru qualifying for the Final !! Maybe this gives him a shot at the new time, but starting in Lane 8. he will have to dictate his own pace and run his own race - maybe aiding his concentration !
A NEW HEPTATHLETE !
Our first Olympian, Kaitinano Mwemweata, is extending her Athletics experience here by becoming our first-ever Heptathlete. Our best all-round female athlete, Kimaia Dan Murdoch, is currently in Australia on a Nursing Training scholarship, and has previously won international gold as a Pentathlete. This morning, on a minumum of learning (starting hurdles only this year), Kaitinano ran the 100m. Hurdles as the first event of the Heptathlon. Using a fair technique and some of her sprinting speed she managed to finish 5th. of the six girls and broke Kimaia's National Record (19.9) with a time of 18.14 secs. A better rhythm and greater confidence would enable her to go under 17 in the future.
Then she moved on to the High Jump. Spending most of the time sheltering from the weather under her track suit top, she emerged often enough to clear seven heights, finishing with a best of 1.35m. (near her PB). This afternoon she has one weak event (Shot) and one strong one (200m.) Whatever happens, provided she completes all seven events unhurt and legally, she will set a new multi-events National Record for Heptathlon.
We have a number of other athletes performing today. Maybe a little piece of history will be made too !
NOTE. Please check out the KNOC website (hit the ONOC Home Page at oceaniasport.com then click on the Kiribati flag and News) for other Samoa stories. Also there is an article on the OACA website (ONOC Home Page then to "More Sports" on the main sport list, then to Oceania Athletics Coaches' Association, then News.)
Last Modified on 06/09/2007 10:59