Fast times likely in 1500m final

Press, 4 March 1982, Page 10

Fast times likely in 1500m final

Py

ROD DEW

The decision by New Zealand's former Olympic champion, John Walker, to defend his New Zealand 1500 m crown in the track and field championships at Queen Elizabeth II Park on Saturday and Sunday will be universally welcomed. One of the really great figures of middle distance running, Walker has already qualified for the Brisbane Commonwealth Games so many times that he must surely have lost count. He could have quite easily found an acceptable reason for missing the championships and still have been certain of a place in the Games team. All things being equal, Walker will win the 1500 m title, and probably the 800 m championship, which he has also entered, as well. But this is hardly likely to detract from the 1500 m race, which promises to be one of

the most- interesting for years..' This one race could well prove to be the stepping stone to greater things for two fine young prospects, Michael Gilchrisk (Canterbury) and Peter O'Dbnoghue (Northland). They finished. third and fourth behind the brilliant American, Steve Scott,. and Walker in • the recent, international meeting in Christchurch,- and both dipped tinder the qualifying standard for the Games at 3min 40s. Gilchrist ran 3min 39.23 s and O’Donoghue 3min' 39.815. ? -. The chance of a rematch was foiled by a calf muscle injury ’to Gilchrist while training the next day. This Saturday is their first race

together since and recent results suggest that both will be in top form. If both run faster than the Games qualifying time again, then it is obvious that both must accompany Walker to Brisbane.

Even assuming they can do this, they will still have a battle on their hands because the depth of ability is probably greater than it has been for a great many years. Tom Birnie (Canterbury), a former winner, is concentrating on the 5000 m this summer and yet it would be a foolish runner who disregards his chances of snatching a placing with his famed cannonball sprint. John Bowden and Keith Ewing, both from Auckland, have proved themselves worthy challengers this summer and Tony Rodgers (Waikato), who looked so promising last season, could yet spring back into prominence. His team-mate, Michael Molloy, who acted as the “rabbit” in the recent international meetings, should also run well.

The failure of Rod Dixon (Auckland) to enter the national championships is likely to cost him his chance of another Commonwealth Games representative singlet. This has also left the 5000 m championship wide open.

Birnie, who has been so close to a qualifying run over this distance, must be among the favourites to win. He will be looking for a Games qualifying time faster thpin 13min 355, and his fine run for second behind Da,v£ Moorcroft (England) at Auck-' land oyer this distance suggests that he is capable of this. '

Peter O’Donoghue has been entered in this event by Auckland, which is.a matter which will have to be ..sorted out before the championships start. Northland will; demand first claim on- his services.

In spite of this; if he runs the longer distance his performance will hold considerable interest. Paul Ballinger (Taranaki), perhaps best known for his marathon exploits, and the two outstanding steeplechasers, Neil .Lowsley - and Peter Renner, will also be in the field. So, too, will be the former New Zealand cross-country repre-

sentative, John Sheddan (Canterbury), a tough man to beat in any race.

The 10,000 m has no obvious favourite, either. Birnie, Ballinger and Sheddan are in the field, all with impressive credentials. Brian Kennelly, another determined Canterbury man, should make his presence felt as well. And the chances of Chris Tobin (Canterbury) influencing the outcome cannot be ignored.