Tom’s golden Games throw comes with South Canterbury on his mind
Timaru’s Tom Walsh won shot put gold at the Commonwealth Games on Monday night with the support of South Canterbury very much on his mind, his father says.
The 26-year-old world champion maintained his golden boy status when he threw 21.41 metres at Carrara Stadium on the Gold Coast, to win the title by 27 centimetres.
His winning performance captured the hearts of many South Canterbury residents, glued to their televisions on Monday night, as they tuned in to watch the final live.
It was their support that had got Tom to where he was, his father, Peter Walsh, said.
Speaking to Stuff yesterday, Peter said he and his wife, Karen, who were in the stadium, were feeling a bit ‘‘rough’’ after a reasonable night of celebration with their son.
‘‘We are very proud of Tom,’’ he said.
The pair had a good spot to see Tom qualify for the final, setting a new Commonwealth Games record of 22.45m, on Sunday, and then compete to win gold.
‘‘It was only really at the end that we got to say gidday to him,’’ Peter said. ‘‘The security is very tight and that’s without getting hit by a shot put or a javelin either.’’
The celebrations continued yesterday when Tom and his family visited New Zealand House for a medal winners’ function.
Peter said the lead-up to the final had been nerve-wracking but that was normal.
Men’s shot put – Tom Walsh: 1st in qualifying with 22.45m (CG record), 1st in final. Cycling – Track – Dylan Kennett: 7th in men’s time trial, 15th in men’s scratch race final, bronze medal in men’s individual pursuit.
Natalie Rooney (trap shooting) – qualifiers, Friday at 11am NZT; final, Friday at 5:55pm NZT. Shane Archbold (cycling) – men’s road race, Saturday at 2:30pm NZT. ‘‘It’s like backing a racehorse. ‘‘They can have all the form in the world but when it comes down to the actual event it can be a different story. It’s very pressurised.’’
That came both from within and also from the other athletes. ‘‘It’s intense.’’ Peter said the pride he and Karen are feeling is immense.
‘‘It’s hard to believe that he’s come so far and that he’s doing what he’s doing.’’
His son’s success came from being ‘‘very committed’’ and having a lot of self-belief. ‘‘That’s the big thing – he has that will to win.’’
It also came from the support of the South Canterbury community.
‘‘You won’t believe the people who have contacted us in the last few hours. There are so many that we can’t say thank you to them individually.
‘‘South Canterbury was where Tom learnt to become a top athlete, through Ian Baird [his original mentor] and South Canterbury Athletics.’’
Peter said the support of the region’s business community has also been invaluable.
‘‘We just want to say a huge thank you to all of South Canterbury, that’s for sure.’’
He said Tom was disappointed not to throw further in the final but pleased to win, being in ‘‘very, very good form’’.
Timaru Boys’ High School rector Nick McIvor said Tom had given his old school reason to be proud.
‘‘We continue to have immense pride in his ongoing successes. Only a few years ago he was pushing to throw 20 metres. He just goes from strength to strength.’’
He added Tom is a ‘‘fantastic’’ role model to students at the school.
Walsh set a new national record of 22.67 metres in his last hit-out at home before the Games.