Aside over techniques
‘‘Oh, is that how you do it.’’ Asked about his work with Stevenson, who is coaching from afar but making select visits when he can, Gill said: ‘‘I’m really lucky to have his advice and knowledge. I’m very grateful, and it’s awesome to have him.’’
Having spent the best part of a decade in Walsh’s shadow – a point the Cantab also made as he reflected on this turning of the tables – Gill was asked how it felt to get one over his rival.
‘‘I lost to him for like 10 years, so it means a lot. The rivalry is everything. I really like him as a guy, so it’s awesome to have that.’’
Interesting. The two are polar opposites as personalities. Gill is private, unassuming and prefers to work away from the spotlight. He turns down all media requests, except for on competition day, and very much dances to his own beat.
Walsh, on the other hand, is gregarious, outgoing, mischievous and understands the value and responsibilities of having a strong media presence. He has embraced his status as a figurehead of New Zealand track-and-field and seldom says no to a chat with the fourth estate.
‘‘We’ve pushed each other through the last 10-12 years now,’’ said Walsh. ‘‘I know I wouldn’t be throwing without Jacko pushing me and vice-versa. It’s really important for me. I’d love to throw against Jacko more in the domestic season, not just twice.’’
When we observed that the two appeared to be getting on famously, Walsh smiled. ‘‘It’s only for the public face ... we don’t talk to each other normally. No, no, no. Jacko and I actually throw together a bit over the time, especially at training camps before world champs and the like. But I still don’t like losing to him.’’
Gill says he has a confidence at the moment that he has not had throughout his senior career. ‘‘I’m really happy,’’ he says. ‘‘I just feel in a great place, and I’m really enjoying what I’m doing, which is great.
Both now shift their focus to the international scene and the intimidating presence of Americans Ryan Crouser, who recently improved his world record by 1cm (to 23.38m) at an indoor event in Idaho, and Joe Kovacs, the twotime Olympic silver medallist with a PB of 23.23m.
Gill will head to Europe in July to start his world championships build-up. Walsh knows it’s about peaking later, not now, and he will start that process in midMay in the US.
‘‘The peak for both of us is the world champs. I know Jacko is peaking for that, and I know I want to peak for that.’’