Erin Baker running into more problems

Press, 31 May 1985, Page 32

Erin Baker running into more problems

By

KEVIN TUTTY

The world ranked triathlete, Erin Baker, who is being prevented from pursuing her sport in the United States, now faces the prospect of being barred from running road races in New Zealand. Baker joined the small ranks of professional triathletes when she accepted prize money for winning the women’s section of the Tooheys Great Lakes triathlon in Australia last month. Because she has been unable to obtain a visa from the United States Government, Baker cannot compete on the lucrative United States triathlon circuit. Instead she has had to spend her time cooling her heels and training in Christchurch, waiting for a decision on her latest visa application. To maintain competitive sharpness Baker has entered several road races in Christchurch and on Sunday she is the favourite to win the women’s section of the half-marathon in the Adidas-Moro Christchurch event.

Questions have been raised about whether, because of her professional status, she should be allowed to run against amateurs and if she wins the half marathon, be given the $5OO training award at stake for the winner. As far as the race director, Mr Rod Rutherford, is concerned, Baker is a legitimate entry. He views her as a triathlete and not an athlete. “A professional triathlete is as different from an amateur road runner as a professional lawn bowler, golfer or tennis player, and should be able to run.” However, the president of the Canterbury centre of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association, Mr Ray Rose, sees the matter in a different light. Only this week the centre received a ruling on triathletes from the International Amateur Athletic Federation which reads: “A registered athlete accepting a cash prize in a triathlon would be rendered ineligible for competing in athletics. For an athlete to be able to

continue competing in the sport, any money won must be forwarded to the governing body to be held in trust under the normal rules.” Baker is not a registered athlete, but according to Mr Rose that makes no difference Other rules on amateurism state that athletes are not allowed to compete against professionals from

any sport, he said. Will that prevent Baker from running in the marathon on Sunday? “We are aware of the situation with Erin Baker, but we are not in the game of rushing up to competitors on the starting line and saying ‘you are taking money. You can’t run in this event',” said Mr Rose. “We will probably have to start an investigation but it can’t be done in five minutes. It’s unlikely a decision can be made before the marathon. The ultimate decision will probably have to be made by the 1.A.A.F.” Baker has been caught in the middle. She inquired about her status and was told she could enter. She is not concerned about the $5OO prize if she wins the half marathon. “I just want to be able to run. I need the race. The money is no big deal. If they say I can’t take the money or use it as a training award, I will still run.”

For Sunday’s race at least, it seems Baker will be among the starters.