Walker, Rogers Gilchrist in 1500m final

Press, 9 October 1982, Page 17

Walker, Rogers Gilchrist in 1500m final

From

ROD DEW,

in Brisbane

New Zealand has three representatives in the men’s 1500 m final today, the feature event of the final day’s programme of track and field competition in the twelfth Commonwealth Games.

John Walker, Michael Gilchrist and Tony Rogers all survived the heats yesterday afternoon in an impressive display of New Zealand middle-distance running strength.

Walker controlled the second heat with great skill before winning easing up in a slow 3min 47.26 s from Patrick Scammell, of Australia. His heat was the slowest of the three, and that was just what he wanted. The surprise of the heat was the failure of the Edmonton medallist, John Robson, of Scotland, to finish among the first three. “I was surprised that Robson didn’t have more kick." said Walker afterwards. “I dictated the whole race. I am a much better 1500 m runner than an 800 m runner," he said.

He predicted a five-way battle for the medals today between Michael Hillardt, of Australia. Steve Cram, of England, Mike Boit, of Kenya, Graham Williamson, of Scotland, and himself.

Gilchrist qualified with a third in the third heat behind Williamson and Boit, an excellent run by the New Zealander even if it was not tactically flawless. Gilchrist had to sprint hard off the final turn to overtake Paul Grinstead, of Australia, and ensure a final place.

The first heat featured a clash between Hillardt and Cram, who were surprisingly competitive’ about claiming first place. Cram won in 3min 44.395, and Hillardt was second in 3min 44.445. The veteran, Wilson Waigwa, of Kenya, was the third automatic qualifier. Rogers was a close fourth in 3min 45.70 s and he had a long wait before being sure of his place in the final. His time was the fastest fourth.

Dianne Rodger and Lorraine Moller, of New Zealand, both qualified for the final of the women's 1500 m, although Mrs Rodger had to wait before learning that she was the fastest fifth. The first four in each heat

and the next two fastest qualified. Mrs Rodger ran a bad tactical race, being forced to lead after one bout of jostling and she was later checked again near the start of the final lap. The race was won by Kim Lock, of Wales, in 4min 15.125. In the same race, Jenny Overall, of New Zealand, was far below her capabilities, finishing last in a slow 4min 33.235. She was injured before the Games and never recovered from this setback.

Miss Moller looked very good in qualifying second to the favourite, Christina Boxer, of England, in the second heat. Miss Boxer recorded 4min 16.32 s and Miss Moller 4min 17.455.

The only track final yesterday was the women's 100 m hurdles, won in the Games record time of 12.78 s by the English hurdler, Shirley Strong.

The outcome was in doubt until the finish. Lorna Booth, of England, the defending champion, seemed to have a slight edge approaching the final flight of hurdles, but she clipped the last hurdle with her foot and the check gave Miss Strong the break she needed. Miss Booth, who held the previous Games record, took the silver medal in 12.905. Susan Kameli, of Canada, was third in 13.105.