Rhodes to attempt sub-four minute mile

Press, 7 December 1976, Page 48

Rhodes to attempt sub-four minute mile

By

ROD DEW

A special attempt to break the 4min barrier for the mile is to be made by the 21-year-old Christchurch-based Canadian, Brian Rhodes, during the inter-club track and field meeting at Queen Elizabeth II Park on Saturday after noon. “I should be able to do it.” Rhodes, elated over his fine victory in the invitation XOO metres at the same venue on Saturday, said yesterday. And he is not at all worried about achieving a peak in his form so early in the track season. He believes that if he can run the mile in less than 4min on Saturday, he should be able to run even faster, relatively speaking, in the New Zealand 1500 metre championship at Hamilton in March.

'Rhodes finished runner-up in 'the New Zealand 1500 metres 'championship last season in I spite of several injuries which (handicapped his preparation.

“I want ’to run the mile faster than 3min 59sec. And I am confident I can do it. I've had no injury problems and all my old strength is there.”

If Rhodes succeeds in breaking 4min, then he will be the first to do so in Christchurch. In a city where Peter Snell broke the world 880 yards and 800 metres records and where Filbert Bayi set a world 1500metres record, the mile has been strangely neglected as far as fast times are concerned.

The present Canterbury record stands to the credit of Allan Gilmour, who ran the distance in 4min 4.Bsec in January, 1971. This is the fastest time recorded in the province. Not even the brilliant Australian, Ron Clarke, was able to better 4min when he made a special attempt on the grass at Rugby Park in the late 19605.

Rhodes, who has been training under the Christchurch coach, Mr Brian Tay'or, for the last three seasons, has his sights on victory in the national 1500 metres championship and, in the long term, a place in either the New Zealand or Canadian teams for the Edmonton Commonwealth Games in 1978.

“He is very talented — one of the most talented athletes I have seen for a long time,” Mr Tavlor, still a competitive middle and long distance runner of considerable ability, said. “J hope the other guys will gel up and push him. The third lap will be the killer as fm as he is concerned. I know he will be okay up to the 800 metres. If he can get through that third iap in good time then he should go ■below 4min.”

As well as Rhodes, there will be two other Canadians in the invitation mile field — Doug Brown and John' Coates, who are also being trained by Mr Taylor. Both have been handicapped, by injuries in recent years' but are hopeful that their darkest athletic days are now behind them.

The two athletes who have agreed to act as pacemakers for the first 800 metres are Owen Hesp and the former Otago runner. Gerry Merchant (both Uni-versity-Sbirley). Mr Taylor is hoping for a time of between Imin 58sec and Imita 59sec for the 800 metres.

Rendell Mclntosh (High School Old Boys), the New Zealand 800 metres champion, has offered to sacrifice himself in an effort to keep the pace up to the 100( metres mark and will als< endeavour to finish the ract n good time. Other starter; include the former New Zea land junior 1500 metre champion, Warren Sheddor 'Olympic), a former place letter in national middk distance events, Brett Robin son (Old Boys), John Argue (Olympic) and Dennis Browr (Old Boys). ‘