Rico hoping for gold medal
A recent personal best of 39 metres has instilled confidence in discus thrower Rico Fisher ahead of the South Island Colgate Games.
The games are a track and field event for children aged 7 to 14 and held annually at different venues. Dunedin is hosting it at the Caledonia Ground between January 11 and 13.
Rico, 13, won a bronze medal with a throw of 31 metres at the games in Timaru last year, while in 2017 he won gold with the same metreage in Invercargill.
‘‘I’m improving and I hope I can win again this year,’’ Rico said.
He was rapt to throw 39 metres at a seniors’ meet at Surrey Park, Invercargill, three weeks ago.
Discus was one of five events Rico would compete in at Dunedin, others being shot put, long jump, 200 metres and 100 metres.
He moved into Chris Knight’s coaching team last winter after his former trainer, Lorne Singer, moved to the North Island.
Rico trains four times a week at Surrey Park, as well as a session at Academy Southland’s gymnasium.
‘‘[Athletics] is one of my favourite sports . . . it gives you coordination and fitness.’’
Knight said Rico was headed in the right direction.
‘‘He’s as keen as mustard and is starting to pick things up really good.’’
Rico became interested in athletics as a 4 year old watching his sister Jordan compete. He didn’t need reminding about training days, his mother Rebecca Fisher said. ‘‘I never have to tell him . . . he’s usually out the door before I have to,’’ she said.
Rugby and touch were other sports Rico played.
Southland would have about 120 competitors and seven officials at the Colgate games next week, Southland official Lilian Tudor said.
She would be attending in her first year as competition director.
A pre-Colgate meet was being held at Surrey Park tomorrow.
‘‘[Athletics] is one of my favourite sports . . . it gives you co-ordination and fitness.’’ Rico Fisher