Longstanding record finally beaten

It has been a relatively quiet time for Palmerston North athletes this last week with most of the national interest being featured on the international track meeting in Christchurch.

Palmerston North did receive a mention in the meeting review as being the venue of one of the longeststanding national records that was bettered during the meeting.

At the national championships in Palmerston North in March 1965, David Norris leapt 15.94m in the triple jump establishing the national record that stood until this weekend.

South African-based brothers Ethan and Welre Olivier, who are eligible to represent New Zealand, both had leaps well in excess of the record, with Ethan winning the competition with a best of 16.85m.

Unfortunately the wind reading of +2.5 metres per second was more than the allowable limit for record purposes.

Welre had more luck as his 16.33m performance recorded a +1.4m/s reading, making it eligible as a record.

Both will represent New Zealand at the Olympics.

Not all events are measured for wind assistance with only long jump, triple jump, sprints up to 200m and short hurdles assessed.

The maximum following wind allowed is 2.0m/s and is measured by an anemometer placed on the side of the track. It was interesting to see the variations in readings that occur.

The reading was taken over a set period and averaged out. It was often surprising the effect a side wind can have.

• Entries for the national championships have closed and centres are now announcing their teams.

• The Manawatū Striders’ Super Seven Series appears to have been a big success and for those wishing to continue, Feilding Moa Harrier and Athletic are starting their Feilding Fives event on Thursday, March 7, with runs of 5km and 2.5km starting at Timona Park at 6pm.