Seatter predicts personal best

Press, 25 July 1986, Page 21

Seatter predicts personal best

ROD DEW

From

in Edinburgh

The medals in the 30km road walk at the Edinburgh Commonwealth Games will go to the strongest rather than the swiftest, according to one of New Zealand’s two entrants, Graeme Scatter, of Christchurch. The course is of the out-and-back variety, and the return journey is slightly uphill and will probably be into a head wind.

“It is very exposed, and

windy,” said Seatter yesterday. “The course is certainly not a great one. Lap courses are preferable to an out-and-back course. Some people are going to feel the pressure over the last few kilometres. It is going to be a tough finish.” Seatter’s hopes were raised appreciably earlier this week when he completed an Bkm time trial on the Meadowbank track in 33min 30s — a full half minute faster than his previous best. “I am as fit as I have ever been,” he said, predicting at least a personal-best performance. In the Edmonton

Games eight years ago, Seatter finished seventh. The race was won in 2hr 22min. This time, he feels, such a performance would not rate in the first 10. He expects the winner on July 31 to complete the course in around 2hr Bmin, with “medal country” extending to around 2hr 12min.

“The field is undoubtedly the strongest there has ever been for a Commonwealth walk. Dave Smith, of Australia,- is the top-ranked 20km road walker in the world. There are not too many events here in Edinburgh which can claim to have

the world’s best.”

Smith, the favourite for the gold medal, is not without strong competition, either. Guillane Le Blanc (Canada), who was fourth in the walk at the Los Angeles Olympics, and his fellow-country-man, Francoise Lapointe, are rated by Seatter as big threats. Lapointe led the World Cup 50km walk for 30km before being disqualified. “If he has got over his technical problems, he should do very well,” said Seatter.

Seatter has a best of 2hr 16min for the 50km walk, which puts him

somewhat down the list, but he is a superb competitor and is quite confident of improving on this in the Games race.

Murray Day, also of Christchurch, is New Zealand’s second entrant in the walk. He has been staying in London, and only arrives in the Games Village today. He, too, however, is reported to be in top form and looking for a medal performance.

The walk is one event not greatly affected by the mass walkout. Kenya had two entries, but they were not highly rated and were expected to finish at the tail of the field.