World 5000m record attempt

Press, 21 January 1982, Page 15

World 5000m record attempt

The attempt on the world 5000 m record by the almost legendary Norwegian distance runner. Grete Waitz, seems certain to steal some of the limelight from the men's middle distance events in the Pan Am-Television New Zealand meeting on Saturday.

Miss Waitz. prevented by influenza from attempting the record in her homeland in September, is sure she has the ability to set a new time and is praying for the warm, calm conditions which will make it possible.

Ironically, the record of 15min 14.7 s was set by the British international. Paula Fudge, in the Norwegian race which Miss Waitz was forced to withdraw from. With Miss Waitz as the pace-setter, it is also likely that the first New Zealander to finish will become the first holder of the New Zealand resident record. No standard has been set. although a number of 5000 m races for women have been held. Saturday's race is certain to prompt the NewZealand association to take quick action on this.

The runner most likely to claim the national record is Dianne Rodger, of Waikato, who ran so well in the Pacific Conference Games on the same track a year ago. But Mrs Rodger cannot even be certain of second place behind Miss Waitz.

Chief among her rivals for the major finishing places will be the 22-year-old American. Maggie ' Keyes. Running 5000 m is not a regular experience for her but she has times of 4min 13.4 s for 1500 m and 2min 7.7 s for 8()0m which indicate that she does not lack basic speed. Canterbury will be strongly represented. The two former New Zealand cross-country representatives, Anne Marie Keown and Mary O'Connor, are both in the field and so too is another prominent Canterbury performer, Wendy Mollison. These three are probably more familiar with the 5000 m track race'than most others and should all make a bold showing.

Nevertheless, all must expect to run in the shadow of the brilliant Miss Waitz. This is her first race over 5000 m but nobody will consider that a great disadvantage for her. She is a former hofder of the world 3000 m record and her best 1500 m time of 4min 0.6 s puts her among the world's top 10. She was also holder of the women's unofficial

marathon record of 2hr 25min 42s until New Zealand's Allison Roe took it from her in the recent NewYork marathon. One major regret is that Mrs Roe lias been unable to fit time in her busy schedule for the 5000 m on Saturday. Spectators at the 1979 international meeting at Queen Elizabeth II Park will

retain vivid memories of the effortless winning run byMiss Waitz over 3000 m. Her time on that occasion, an outstanding Bmin 36.35. still stands as the New Zealand ail-comers record. Miss Waitz. of course, is famous for her versatility. She has won the world crosscountry title for the last four times and al 28 she is by no

means nearing her finish. The women s 800 m is another race which should attract attention. Terri Cater (Australia). a former sprinter, has moved up to the middle distances with such success that she is being regarded as a medal prospect for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games. In the World Cup contest at Rome she ran the 800 m in an impressive 2min 0.55. The outstanding West German. Bridget Kraus, is also in the field. The 1500 m is probably her best distance. She has times of around 4min 3s. But she is capable of running a very fast 800 m. Janine MacGregor (Britain) looks to be the one to beat in the women’s 400 m. She has recent times of 11.585. 23.45 s and 51.93 s for the 100. 200 and 400 m. respectively. Her presence is a challenge which New Zealand's top 400 m runner. Kim Robertson (Auckland), is keen to face up to. Also in

the field is the former Olympic representative, Penny Hunt (Wellington), still running times not far short of her best. Unfortunately, Raelene Boyle (Australiaj earlier among the confirmed entries, is now on the list of unexplained withdrawals. Miss Robertson is listed as a starter for the 100 m. an event in which she will compete against such accomplished sprinters as Kathie Cannon (United States), Denise Boyd (Australia) and the reigning New Zealand champion. Wendy Brown (Northland).

Miss Cannon will also contest the 200 m and the 100 m hurdles, another event at which she excels. The two top Canterbury hurdlers. Lyn Kav and Karen Forbes, are in this race, along with the highly promising young Otago schoolgirl. Jayne Mitchell. Miss Mitchell, one of the stars of the NewZealand secondary schools' championships this season.

also won the 100 m hurdles and long jump in the Australian schools' championships.

She will also compete in the long jump on Saturday against the Australian. Linda Garden, and the two outstanding Auckland jumpers. Pam Hendren and Noeline Hodgins. Linda Garden currently holds the New Zealand all-comer? record at 6.62 m. set a year ago in Auckland. Pam Hendren holds the resident record at 6.37 m. Both will be keen to improve on these performances.