Renner angry at omission

Press, 11 December 1989, Page 48

Renner angry at omission

By

ROD DEW

One of New Zealand’s most accomplished international athletes, Peter Renner, of Canterbury, was totally unimpressed with his omission from the 5000 m for the Auckland Commonwealth Games when the latest additions to the track and field team was announced by the Games selectors last evening. “I think it stinks,” said Renner, who had earlier been named for the 3000 m steeplechase. The former Olympic representative had hoped to compete in the steeples and the 5000 m at the Auckland Games, and demonstrated his ability to do this with a win and a third placing, respectively, in the recent New Zealand championships at Auckland. In the previous championships, less than nine months ago, he won both events. Renner competed in the steeplechase and 5000 m at the Brisbane Commonwealth Games for a fourth and an eighth in the finals. He had hoped to end his career on the track with top performances in both at the Auckland Games. “I am not a very happy man and I will be letting the selectors know when I next see them. I will do my best in the steeplechase at the Games, and that will be my lot on the track,” he said. “I worked hard for the double and I think I performed with distinction in the championships, and I also ran 5000 m in 13min 42s in Wellington earlier this season. I went to Wellington yesterday for the 10,000 m championship, although I was filled up with flu, and I was still competitive with the top guys and still finished inside the qualifying stan'dard.” Renner has apparently been pushed out by the outstanding junior, Richard Potts (Hawke’s Bay), who is a son of the convener of athletic selectors,

Mr Alan Potts. The other two 5000 m runners named are Kerry Rodger and the former Canterbury runner, Philip Clode (both Auckland). Ann Hannam (Canterbury) has • won a place in the 10,000 m for the Games after her excellent run for third in the national championship on Saturday. Anne Audain (Auckland) and Barbara Moore (Wellington), who were first and second, respectively, were also named for the 10,000 m and at this stage must all be considered medal prospects. Erin Baker, the world’s leading womai) triathlete, misses out-’ after finishing fourth in the national race. Debbie Sheddan (Canterbury)has been included in the 1500 m for the Games, which wasyhot unexpected after her fine fun a week after the championships. Canterbury athletes take the lion’s share < of places in the heptathlon and decathlon. Joanne Henry, a junior from South Canterbury, has won the top spot in the heptathlon Team members named yesterday were.— ATHLETICS Men 100 m: Murray Gutry (Waikato, subject to fitness). 3000 m steeplechase: Greg Cameron (Waikato). 5000 m: Kerry Rodger (Auckland), Phil Clode (Auckland), Richard Potts (Hawke’s Bay). 10,000 m: Rodger, Mark Furian (Waikato). . " v Decathlon: Simon Poelman (Auckland), Peter Henry (Canterbury), Terry Lomax (Canterbury, subject to fitness). > Women 1500 m: Debbie Sheddan (Canterbury). 3000 m: Anne-Hare (Wellington). 10,000 m: Anne Audain (Auckland), Barbara Moore (Wellington), Anne Hannam (Canterbury). Long jump: Lisa Ball (Auckland). Heptathlon: Joanne Henry (Canterbury), Lyn Osmers (Canterbury), Cassandra Kelly (Auckland). Rhythmic gymnastics: Angela Walker (Auckland), Raewyn Jack (Auckland), Katie Agnew ' (Auckland). WEIGHTLIFTING 56kg: Shane Judson.