Walker pulls out

Press, 12 January 1981, Page 6

Walker pulls out

PA Auckland John Walker had an unexpectedly touch first competitive outing of the season at the Mount Smart • Stadium on , Saturday, withdrawing at the 241)0 metres of the open 3000 m event when he appreciated he had been overambitious.

“I .wanted a 1500 metres,’* Walker said after his withdrawal. “I. have been off training for a month because of a bad flu. I wanted a race to test my condition.

“You would think they would have a better programme, with a 150dm. After all, I am expected to race my best over that distance In the Pacific Conference Games in three weeks’ time and I need the races to suit before that time. <„ '

“I did not expect there would be any top Americans in the race, either. They were juet tiefast for me.”

Walker’s reference was to the American Stan Mavis, who won the event in 8m 08.525, and, ths second placed American Marc Hunter.

Both are niem,bers of the Ath;' letlc West Club and are coached by Dick Quax. They are two of a» ) party from the club who.’havecome to New Zealand with Quax > for competition.

• Nevertheless Walker ran .With, enough determination over- the* 2400 metres to indicate that he should be near peak condition' for th* Games, providing he obitains the competition over-the-distances he wants beforehand. »•