World Para title for Lewer in Switzerland
Manawatu athlete Jack Lewer is now a world champion.
Lewer won New Zealand’s first gold medal at a world junior Para athletics champs in the F20 under20 shot put at Nottwil, Switzerland on Sunday (NZ time).
The 19-year-old, who was the New Zealand flagbearer at the event, started the shot put with two fouls, but was in control with all his throws in the next four rounds, with all his throws further than the second placegetter from Argentina.
New kit for Black Ferns
Manawatu’s three Black Ferns women’s rugby players start their World Cup campaign in Ireland this week.
Manawatu is well represented in the team again this year with halfback Kristina Sue, fullback Selica Winiata and flanker Sarah Goss, not to mention assistant coach Wesley Clarke.
At the 2014 tournament in France, Manawatu had Winiata, the now-retired Ruth Mckay and Shakira Baker in the team. Baker is now based in Waikato and is solely in the New Zealand sevens team.
Potential move
Expat Manawatu rugby player Kurt Baker may be changing teams.
The former Turbos, Taranaki and Highlanders outside back left New Zealand rugby last year to join Italian club Zebre, but it has been reported he has not returned to the north of Italy this season.
It is thought Scottish club Glasgow is interested in Baker, but he has been spotted at home in Palmerston North recently.
Rising umpire
Manawatu netball umpire Ken Metekingi has taken another step up the rankings, reaching International Talent Identification status with the International Netball Federation.
Metekingi was chosen for the national development squad in 2014 and was given his New Zealand award at the national under23 final a year later.
He has been a Premiership umpire this year and has officiated national league games. He also went to the World Youth Cup Oceania qualifiers last year.