Being a prodigy inevitably brings heightened expectation. Whatever the field of endeavour, a young person's exceptional ability will always mean outstanding feats are anticipated, often within an unrealistic time frame. That expectation is writ large for Jacko Gill. The 17-year-old's astounding shot-putting ability had many New Zealanders imagining he would
Editorial: It took guts for Gill to say no, risk disapproval
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Whatever some may have thought, more knowledgeable people saw Gill finishing only in the top 16 at London, and quite some way from the medals. His world ranking is 30, after all. There might have been some gain in terms of Olympic experience, but the event is not some sort of development school. Athletics NZ is stressing increasingly that competitors should have a medal in their sights, not be there simply to make up the numbers.
All too often, young New Zealand sportsmen and women are promoted too quickly. If that is understandable in a sparsely populated country with a corresponding dearth of international-class talent, it is hardly ideal. It takes a strong personality to stand against this and decide on a path that will frustrate many sports followers. Whatever his motivation, Gill has done that. There will probably be at least four Olympics after London on which he can stamp his mark. Taking his time may well result in his potential being most fully realised. New Zealanders should be happy to share his patience.