Olympic athletes in cross-country events

Press, 19 May 1984, Page 24

Olympic athletes in cross-country events

Canterbury’s Olympic Games representatives, Peter Renner (New Brighton) and Mary O’Connor (University) will be the star attractions at the annual Jane Paterson cross country races organised by the Canterbury Cross Country Committee at Motukarara today.

The women’s distance has been increased from 4km to the same as the men’s and veteran’s distance of 9km this year for the first time, and thus is expected to give O’Connor a further advantage over her rivals. She is expected to retain the title she has won five times in a row.

Another who will like the longer distance is Margaret Walker (Christchurch), who finished only 4s behind O’Connor last year. However, Walker’s form in the Hagley relay was below her best and she

would have to improve considerably to match the pace and strength of the national cross country champion, Sara Harnett (New Brighton), who did not run in this race last year, and Wendy Renner (New Brighton), who was also absent last year. Another bold showing is expected from last year's third-place getter, Nicola Evans (New Brighton).

Renner will be the main challenge to the titleholder, Michael Gilchrist (Technical) in the senior men’s race. Both will also have to watch for Neil Lowsley (Nev? Brighton), who beat Renner on this course a few years ago when the pair were the province’s top juniors and re-emerged from injury this season with a fast run in the Hagley relay over 4km. Last year’s runner-up, Jeff Elliot (Olympic) may have trouble keeping in the

top five this year, with strong competition coming from Colin McDonald (Technical), Bruce Rattray (Christchurch) and Kevin O'Sullivan (University).

The veteran's race features a top line-up, with Brian Atkins (United), John Macdonald and Ronnie Stevens (Olympic), Denis O’Keefe (Christchurch), John Brownie (New Brighten), John Souter (Timaru) and a newcomer in Coleman Creagh (Greymouth). Last year the race was won by Jim Macdonald, with brother John second. Brownie third, Souter fourth and O’Keefe fifth. Theresa Woodham (United) will defend her veteran women’s title and will face competition from last year’s runner-up Colleen McKenzie (Olympic). Pat Boland (Christchurch), Lynn Epps (New Brighton) and June Miles (Olympic).