Young athletes may surprise

Press, 27 January 1988, Page 27

Young athletes may surprise

PA Wellington The best performances in this summer’s grand prix track and field series, which begins in Wanganui today, may not come from the established athletes.

Sylvia Potts, former Olympian and co-ordinator of the national athletics development squad, said younger athletes were figuring more prominently. "There are two reasons for it. In the 17-19 age group, they’re just beginning to realise how they can improve and what they can do. “Sadly, the other reason is because so few of our senior athletes are staying in the sport.” Potts said that was disappointing, because youngsters needed to compete against older, more experienced athletes.

“That is one of the advantages of the grand prix series

— it provides the opportunity for younger athletes to gain experience,” said Potts, who is also one of the organisers of the second grand prix meeting in Hastings on Saturday.

"Those who take the opportunity I am sure will benefit and those who don’t are the ones who will lose out.”

The third meeting in the series is scheduled for Auckland on February 27, as part of the Robin Tait Memorial.

Today’s twilight meeting at Cooks Gardens in Wanganui has been boosted by the late inclusion of the Los Angeles Olympian, Simon Poelman, of Auckland.

Foeiman, the national decathlon champion and record holder with 8296 points, currently holds three national titles and last week-end set a New Zealand pole vault record of 5.04 m.