French decathlete to compete for N.Z.?

Press, 4 April 1989, Page 48

French decathlete to compete for N.Z.?

PA Wellington A track and field promoter, Dave Norris, is not getting over-excited about reports that the French decathlete, Christian Plaziat, may compete for New Zealand at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. A report from Paris said Plaziat, who fin-

ished a disappointing fifth at last year’s Seoul Games, was “disgusted” with the treatment he has received from the French athletics federation.

He said the federation had made no effort to help him overcome his weakest decathlon event, the javelin, which cost

him medal chances at Seoul and at the 1987 world championships in Rome.

“I would prefer to be a French Olympic champion but, if I am not given the means to do so, I am ready to take New Zealand citizenship and try to be New Zealand Olympic champion,” he

said. Plaziat, who trained for six weeks in New Zealand this summer, is

engaged to Aucklander Dierdre Coleman, “For the moment my fiancee has made the effort to come to France and follow me. But lam attracted to her country, so it will be either

France or New Zealand.” Plaziat also contested the one-hour decathlon against the top New Zealander, Simon Poelman, in Auckland two years ago. “Christian’s been here twice, and he’s been very well-received. He’s a nice guy,” Mr Norris said.