N.Z. veterans in world lists

Press, 26 November 1980, Page 16

N.Z. veterans in world lists

Two personalities of long standing in Canterbury athletics. Jim McDonald and Arthur Grayburn, are among the New Zealanders featured in the 1980 book of world age records for veteran athletes. This surely augurs well for their chances at the World Veteran Games

at Queen Elizabeth II Park from January 7 to 14. McDonald, a familiar figure around central Christchurch streets through his daily lunchtime runs, carried out over the years at the same scampering pace, holds world marks over 3000 m, two and three miles in his age group. Gravburn has always had a strong arm — probably because of his years as a headmaster — and his javelin throwing exploits have also won him a place on the world record list. r There are several other New Zealanders whosedeeds have earned recognition in the book. The sea- . soned marathon runner,. Jack Foster, who in his T late 30s and into his 40s showed a remarkable con- F sistency. in marathon races, 'ranging from 2hr 12min 17.8 sec in 1970 to 2hr 22min 6sec in 1978, also claimed a world mark for 5000 m with 14min 21 sec at the age of 43, four years ago. And Colleen Mills, who

had the distinction of running for New Zealand in the 1950 Empire Games and the 1974 Commonwealth Games, is still setting the pace for the longer sprints. Now in her mid-40s. she has world marks of 26.225ec for 200 m and 59.715ec for 400 m.

Mrs Mills forms part of a remarkable family. Her husband. Les. was New Zealand’s most notable shot-discus exponent, and their children. Donna (high jump) and Phillip (hurdles), both represented New Zealand at Commonwealth Games level. Shirley Brasher, with a smin 19.2 sec effort, for 1500 m, has a faster time than others younger than herself — a great achievement for a woman over 50. he also features in the 5000 m and 10,000 m times. The wiry Wahganui runner. Beverley Shingles, ; with a time of 2hr 45niin ;45sec, features among the fastest women marathon performers; Her'- effort l iwould .put many men to Wshame, and yqunger ones eSt that. ' £ y . J - J • .> -Beryl Vine (high jump) - and Audrey Wood (long' . ’ "jump) are not so well \ known as other New Zea- ■ land record holders, but jthev have helped women '•athletes to gain, a numer--'ical advantage over the 'male kiwis in the world lists.