Athletics: Cool running guides Ranby to a record

Olly Ranby scorched around the Tauranga Domain track on Saturday to break Joseph Millar's Waikato Bay of Plenty senior boys' record for the 200m.

Ranby, in his final year at Tauranga Boys' College, ran 21.92s in still wind conditions to break Millar's time of 22.01 set in 2010, and beat his own previous best time of 22.04.

The race was supposed to be a heat but ended up as a straight final, which Ranby says helped him feel so relaxed when the starting gun fired.

"I really was thrilled with that run," said Ranby.

"Your training comes into it, of course, but I just got into the blocks and didn't think about it too much.

"I obviously felt strong round the bend and then coming home it felt as good, as it usually does.

"I was actually quite surprised at the time as I didn't think it [the time] would be that quick but in the end I was so thrilled to finally get under that 22 [seconds]."

Ranby is very aware of the significance of who Millar is, with the former Aquinas College athlete making headlines this month by running a wind-assisted 100m in 10.21s

"Joseph is definitely someone I would like to emulate in the future. He is 20 now and running quite a lot faster so there is a long way to go yet."

Ranby also came third in the 100m final at the Waikato Bay of Plenty senior secondary schools meeting, in a time of 11.7s.

He was disappointed not to take out the sprint double.

"It is always good to win, as it is always good for the positive vibes, but it was a good race and I put up a good fight. I can't complain, really."

Surprisingly, Ranby does not rate the 100m or 200m as his favoured distance.

He is regarded by many reputable people in athletics as an ideal 400m runner and Ranby agrees.

"I have to say 400 is my best distance and I have come down from there. But the enjoyment in the training is not there so when I train and I run fast I just enjoy it, especially over the 100 and 200.

"When I get older I might move up to the higher distances."

The rugby season is also looming quickly for Ranby and he has set himself a lofty goal for the season.

"I would like to make the Tauranga Boys' First XV. I am hopeful of making the team and making use of my speed."