Walsh sets NZ record
Tom Walsh has made the longest shot put throw anywhere in the world for the last 15 years in his final Commonwealth Games hitout.
The shot put star heaved a New Zealand record of 22.67 metres with his second throw at the Sir Graeme Douglas International meet at Waitakere Stadium in West Auckland on Sunday, beating his previous best of 22.31m, set at the World Indoor Championships on March 3.
That also equalled the seventh best throw of all-time, set by American Kevin Toth in April 2003. The top six puts were all set prior to May 1990.
It was two centimetres better than his rival Ryan Crouser threw last year, making him the world leader among active putters.
‘‘It felt pretty easy, it felt pretty good,’’ Walsh said soon after.
‘‘I got through it really well and didn’t try and do it, which is the main thing for me. I knew it was far, I didn’t know it was that far.
‘‘I knew I was in that type of shape, so it was great to put that one throw together.’’
The meet is his final event before the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, which start on April 4.
‘‘It’s looking good ... hopefully I’ll be dropping a few bombs,’’ Walsh said in regards to competing at the Games.
He’s also excited by the prospect of chasing the world record. ‘‘It’s getting closer and closer isn’t it? ‘‘I understand the way I throw better, I understand how to get there better.
‘‘I just know I’ve got more up my sleeve still.’’
Valerie Adams won the women’s shot put on countback from Canada’s Brittany Crew, with each throwing 14.48 metres.
Adams, who will compete at the Gold Coast just six months after giving birth to her first child, five throws over 18m and pronounced herself happy with her improving form.