Anne Audain eyes 10,000m gold medal

Press, 28 July 1986, Page 19

Anne Audain eyes 10,000m gold medal

From ROD DEW, in Edinburgh One of New Zealand’s most successful woman runners in recent years, Anne Audain, of Auckland, seems set to add the first women’s 10,000 m gold medal early to-, morrow morning (New Zealand time) to the 3000 m gold she won so convincingly at the Brisbane Commonwealth Games four years ago. Audain, who spends much of her time these days on the United States road circuit, has not allowed this to reduce her ability as a track runner. Her world record run over 10,000 m at Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland last season of 32min 17.1 s is proof enough of this.

She heads the rankings for the 10,000 m on the

basis of this brilliant run, which has since been bettered by athletes outside the Commonwealth. It has also been equalled by another America-domi-ciled runner, Chris McMiken, who has given

second position on the Commonwealth ranking list as a result

The pair give New Zealand a very strong hand in the race. Both have experienced excellent buildups for the Games, and might even improve on their personal best performances if the early pace is fast New Zealand has an accomplished third starter, as well, in Debbie Elsmore, of Auckland, a late addition to the team.

Among the chief rivals for the New Zealanders will be Scotland’s Elizabeth Lynch and Australia’s Lisa Martin. Lynch has a recent best of 32min 59.59 s and Martin, who strongest effort for the marathon, has run 32min 59.65. Neither should really trouble the in-form New Zealanders.