Walsh extends his NZ record

New Zealand Sportsman of the Year Tom Walsh has broken his own New Zealand resident shot put record ahead of his world indoor title defence.

The Cantabrian hurled the shot out to

21.87m at the Porritt Classic meet in Hamilton last Saturday.

Just two days earlier, a kilt-clad Walsh had collected the Sportsman of the Year trophy at the Halberg Awards.

The Porritt Classic performance added

7cm to his New Zealand resident record set on the North Shore a year ago. It was his ninth best all-time effort and improved on his 21.14m throw at the Potts Classic in Hawke’s Bay a fortnight ago.

Walsh - who will put his title on the line at the world indoor championships in Birmingham from March 2 to 4 - was looking for a 22.00m effort in Hamilton but was reasonably happy with his form leading into the world championships.

‘‘It wasn’t too bad, I just feel like I’m knocking on the door which is a good thing, it’s very close and I know that when I get there I’ll be in good shape because it’s the furthest I’ve thrown this early in the season,’’ he said.

‘‘ I feel like every competition I’m getting a lot better as well.

‘‘So overall pretty happy but also I always want more.’’

Walsh produced an impressive series of throws: 20.99, 21.87, 20.77, 21.44 x, 21.33.

Ryan Ballantyne and Nick Palmer who will both be competing at the world junior championships in Finland in July competed with the 6kg shot Ballantyne winning with

18.84m to Palmer’s 18.04m.