Pacific Games bid by javelin thrower

Press, 24 October 1984, Page 34

Pacific Games bid by javelin thrower

Uncertainty over the sporting future of the Commonwealth Games javelin champion, Mike O’Rourke, is concerning some track and field followers. But there is a ready successor if Auckland’s powerfully built “king” of the throwing strip decides to step down. The tall, 23-year-old Canterbury thrower, John Sta-pylfon-Smith (Technical), hurled the javelin out to 78.82 m in his first throw of the season at Queen Elizabeth 11 Park on Saturday. It was an outstanding start to the season, made in difficult north-westerly conditions, and even O’Rourke could not have helped but be impressed. '’l had to keep my elbow low, and that increases the strain. However, there were no problems,” said Stapyl-ton-Smith, whose career was interrupted by an arm injury some two years ago. Stapylton-Smith recorded only the one acceptable distance. There were several others in excess of 70m, but he was unhappy with these and elected to step over the line and foul each one. He was a little disappointed that he could not overcome the blustery conditions, because he had achieved several throws between 75m and 78m while warming up a short time earlier.

At any rate, the performance left him in no doubt that he will improve on the Canterbury record of 80.34 m he set in winning the New Zealand senior championship last season. That was a season of enormous progress, and the only real disappointment was that he won the national title almost by default. O’Rourke was injured, and took no part. Had O’Rourke defended his title, the popular Canterbury thrower might well have extended his performance even further. This summer he is hoping to throw “in the mid-80s,” and on his opening form this should prove no problem. “I have had a good winter build-up,” he said. “My technique needs a lot of repairs, because I have been doing a lot of my training throwing off a short run. But I am

By

ROD DEW

very happy with the way things are going.” Stapylton-Smith, who is appreciative of the early grounding he received with Mr Eric Rowe, is now coached by the former New Zealand decathlon champion, Mene Mene, still a very capable competitor in throwing events. StapyltonSmith finds training with Merie’s Technical club group of enormous benefit. “It is much better than training on your own,” he said. His impressive progress last season did not go unnoticed at national level. He received a $lOOO Country-

wide training award after his 80m throw at the national championships, one of only two $lOOO awards made. The other went to the outstanding hurdler, Lyn Grime (Waikato). Stapylton-Smith is one of six leading athletes invited to attend the annual meeting of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association in Wellington tomorrow and Friday. Dianne Rodger, Tony Rogers (Waikato), John Bowden (Auckland), Peter Renner and Jan Maxwell (Canterbury) have also received invitations. Their task is to give the athlete’s

viewpoint to discussions. This began as an experiment last year in an attempt to close the gap between competitors and administrators. It was a considerable success, and more developments are expected to evolve from this year’s discussions.

Stapylton-Smith’s chief target this summer is to win a place in the New Zealand team to compete in the Pacific Conference Games in Berkeley, California, on June 22 and 23 next year. The New Zealand team will also compete in satellite meetings in Vancouver, Eugene and Oregon, and Stapylton-Smith is certain that he can benefit greatly from competing in international company at these meetings. Two are likely to be selected, although a metaphorical question-mark hangs over the head of O’Rourke, who was deeply upset by his lack of success at the Los Angeles Olympics, and some ill-informed comment since. He has said little since his return, although he has indicated that he has no idea when he will resume throwing, or indeed, even if he will. The implication is that he is considering retiring. However, few doubt that he will rise again and make a bold attempt to retain his Commonwealth title in Scotland in 1986.

Stapylton-Smith refuses to accept that O’Rourke might not compete again. He believes that the Commonwealth record-holder “will be back,” and probably before the season is very far advanced.

He is looking forward to competing against O’Rourke, and welcomes the incentive this will give him to improve his own performance. If O’Rourke returns to competition this summer, he will still deserve top ranking in New Zealand. But he can be assured to strong resistance from Stapylton-Smith in any attempt to regain the national crown in Dunedin next Marrch. The winner might need to produce a world-class throw in excess of 85m.

Mary-Ann Stone, flanked by two members of the Canterbury rugby squad, David Farrant (left) and Barry White, displays the cheque that will help her brother, Matthew, on his

way to Britain in December as captain of the New Zealand secondary schools’ rugby team. Mary-Anne entered the Ranfurly Shield jackpot competition run by “The

Press” in the hope that she could cover Matthew’s tour contribution by winning the $lOOO first prize. Unfortunately, a 14-way tie occurred, and MaryAnne had to settle for a

double-figure amount. “But,” she smiled, “every little helps.” Messrs Farrant and White are members of the advertising department of “The Press.”