Whangarei Athletes performed well in the New Zealand Track and Field Championships in Dunedin over the weekend.
The team of four girls, running in the W16 (women 16-years) grade, weren't able to foot it with the champions, but all showed the temperament and ability to develop into top-class athletes in the
future.
"I'm pleased that we've got a group of young people with the ability to go up another level and we're aiming to develop to that elite level. It will take time, but it will happen," Athletic Whangarei's president Ian Babe, said.
In the 1500m, Imogen Hull (13) stayed in contact with the leading group for most of the distance before fading slightly over the last part of her heat. Although missing out on a place in the final, Hull achieved a personal best of 4m59.37s.
She showed similar determination in the 2000m, finishing seventh in 10m 59.37s.
In the high jump, Riana Phillips performed well under the pressure of the championships, clearing 1.61m for sixth place.
Coming off an injury and operation earlier in the season that restricted her build-up, Melissa Simpson was still able to qualify for the final of the 1500m, but unable to make a podium finish.
Taylor Going made a gutsy effort to stay with the leaders in the 800m heats, but paid the price in the latter stages. Back on the track for the 1500m heats, she held back a shade too long, leaving little chance of challenging the leaders in the dying stages of the race.
