Triumph over adversity

Press, 12 January 1981, Page 19

Triumph over adversity

The Auckland 1950 Empire Games representative, Mrs | Shirley Peterson (nee Hardman), triumphed over adversity to be second in the W5O 100 metres on Saturday.

Already on a limited build-up on the come back trial, having returned to training only last June, Mrs Peterson, tore her left calf muscles severely in her second race of the season in the New Zealand Veteran championships at Hamilton only five weeks ago. This put her on crutches for two weeks. Mrs Peterson had almost “given the Games away” but she became caught up in the-pre-Games enthusiasum. Still unable to run, she resumed training only last Sunday by alternately walking and trying a fast hobble. After her race yesterday she paid tribute to the special help and encouragement she had had from her physiotherapist, Bruce Milne; and masseur, Bruce Towort. She was certain that without their help she would not

have overcome her muscle agonies, or been able to compete. •

She was still dubious right up to the final moment, with a double injury. Her right Achilles tendon was firmly plastered, too, Her doubt was evident in her hesitant start; she was last away. . .

but the competitive spirit and reflexes of earlier years took over and she raced through to be a delighted second, still looking very much- the sprinter who won many New Zealand titles. Colleen Hill, another veteran from the 1950 New' Zealand Games team, won the gold medal. Her training was also severely restricted by an Achilles tendon injury. She managed only two weeks of training before the Games.

Mrs Peterson has decided not to risk running the 200 metres, because of the extra strain of running round the bend; She might just try at least one long jump. She hopes she will be able to take her place in the New Zealand relay team.