Special support for pair at world champs, Games
South Canterbury’s top athletes are ready for a shot at a world title in the United States this weekend, with some special support in the grandstands.
When Lauren Bruce (hammer throw) and Tom Walsh (shot put) begin their qualifying competitions at 7am and 1.55pm respectively tomorrow, their former coach, Ian Baird, along with Walsh’s parents, Peter and Karen, will be in the crowd.
The World Athletics Championships, in Eugene, Oregon, are over nine days starting tomorrow at 5am (NZ time), less than two weeks out from the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, which begin on July 28.
Baird and the Walsh’s will head to Birmingham for the Commonwealth Games after the World Championships, connecting up with Bruce’s mum, Adrienne, Peter Walsh said.
‘‘We are here, we will be watching live with Ian, and then in August we will meet up with the Bruce’s in Birmingham.’’
Lauren Bruce holds the Oceania record and represented New Zealand in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
Tom Walsh has previously won three world titles, along with two Olympic bronze medals, and gold and silver medals at previous Commonwealth Games.
‘‘Tom has told me he is feeling confident. He will give it his best,’’ Peter Walsh said. ‘‘He tells me he is not there to come second.’’
Adrienne Bruce said she will watch Lauren from home on Saturday.
‘‘. . . but I think her granddad and aunty might come over, or I might go over to there to watch some.’’
Adrienne said she talked to Lauren yesterday morning and ‘‘she is excited’’.
‘‘I won’t talk to her until after the championship now.
‘‘There are the three female hammer throwers from New Zealand going to the World Championships and the Commonwealth Games together.’’