Baker’s career being stifled by visa ban

Press, 29 May 1985, Page 68

Baker’s career being stifled by visa ban

By

KEVIN TUTTY

Erin Baker’s fame as a triathlete has spread quickly since she won a major event in Sydney last month. This week she received an invitation to a major event in the United States. However, problems with obtaining a visa to enter the United States could prevent her from competing in the President’s triathlon at Dallas on June 9. Baker set a world best time for women when she won the Tooheys Great Lakes triathlon in Sydney on April 21 and beat two of the world’s highest ranked women competitors into the bargain. Yesterday Baker received a letter from the director of the President’s triathlon, Mr Jim Woodward, virtually imploring her presence in the race which he described as the “largest participation triathlon in the world.” The race carries a total cash purse of $U525,000 and will have national exposure through television syndica-

tion and the ESPN cable network. Mr Woodward said the race was likely to have one of the best fields of professional triathletes ever assembled. “Your participation would greatly benefit the talented women’s field,” Mr Woodward said. “I am sure you would have an excellent opportunity to win this big race and bring tremendous exposure to both you and your country. Our whole committee and the City of Dallas, Texas, anxiously await your arrival,” Mr Woodward concluded. Baker has previously tried to obtain a visa to compete in the United States but has been refused because she has a conviction dating back to 1981 and the Springbok tour protests. She made another approach to the United States Embassy in Wellington yesterday and will meet a member of the United States Consulate in Christchurch on Friday in a bid to “fast track” a visa.