Edgeler fails by just eight seconds

Press, 20 February 1986, Page 48

Edgeler fails by just eight seconds

By

ROD DEW

A young visitor from Dunedin, Wayne Edgeler, failed by only eight seconds to qualify for the junior world track and field championships when he made a special attempt in the 2000 m steeplechase at Queen Elizabeth II Park last evening. In spite of this he had good cause to be satisfied with his trip to Christchurch. His time of smin 53s was a personal best by a fraction of a second, and this has given him the confidence to continue chasing the elusive qualifying time. “I will keep trying right until the final day,” he declared afterwards. His next chance will probably be on the same track in the New Zealand junior championship in March. And if the fast time does not come then, he will return for yet another attempt.

Edgeler, an athlete of considerable potential, was helped in his run last evening by the Olympic steeplechase representative, Peter Renner (New Brighton). Renner ran the entire distance, crossing the finish just ahead in smin 52.15. Third place went to Eric Monasterio (University) in 6min 1.55.

The New Zealand 400 m hurdles champion, Wayne Paul (Papanui Redwood), was also unsuccessful in his attempt to better the Edinburgh Commonwealth Garnet qualifying standard of 50.945. Racing against 400 m flat sprinters, he finished third in the excellent time of 51.75. “I was a bit slow over the first two hurdles,” said Paul afterwards. “I

thought I could make it up in the run home, but the' wind was a little too strong.” Paul was happy with his run, and particularly grateful to the 400 m sprinters who ran with him. “It made all the difference to have someone with me over the last 50m.”

Paul will make another attempt on Saturday and, if that fails, will try again next Wednesday evening. Then he will rest up for the New Zealand championships in March. After that, he has a racing trip to Tahiti to consider, and this might well provide him with his best chance of qualifying for the Games.

“At least I will have some competition,” he said.

Sue Bruce (New Brighton) again missed the Commonwealth Games qualifying standard in the 3000 m, but also had cause to be pleased with her performance. Racing against men, she recorded a very good 9min 03s — just 4.5 s outside the qualifying time. • The former New Zealand cross-country representative, Bruce Rattray (Christchurch) won the men’s section in Bmin 16.29 s from Ron McTaggart (New Brighton) and Warren Sheddan (Olympic). The Los Angeles Olympic 800 m representative, Peter Pearless (Nelson), emphasised his rapidly improving form with a fine run over the 800 m in Imin 48.15. Caroline Barrie (New Brighton) recorded an excellent 2min 14s running the 800 m against the junior men.