Weather worries for national athletics

Jake Robertson. Photo / Greg Bowker.

Wellington's wild weather wreaked havoc on day one of the New Zealand Track and Field Championships.

Persistent morning rain made life tough for many today, while the highs winds were also a factor on the track and in some of the jumps.

Manawatu-Wanganui high jumper Hamish Kerr didn't let the conditions bother him though as he surprised himself and his fellow competitors to take the senior title with a personal best of 2.13m.

The 18-year-old topped six-time defending champion William Crayford (Wellington) who could only muster 2.09m.

"I just wanted to go out and see how I'd go, to be honest," Kerr said.

The Massey University student is eligible for tomorrow's junior event also.

"My goal coming in to this weekend was the one tomorrow," he said. "So if I can pull that off I'd be happy."

In today's other notable results, the Kenya-based Jake Roberston won the men's 5000m in 14m 3.71s, while his twin brother Zane was scratched with a calf complaint.

Waikato-Bay of Plenty's Kodi Harman won the 100m crown in 10.47s, although the high winds meant his time wouldn't be eligible for any qualification marks. Three-time defending champion Joseph Millar didn't compete due to a back injury.

Cameron French defended his 400m hurdles title in 50.28s.