San Diego-based New Zealand discus thrower Ian Winchester confirmed his pre-Commonwealth Games form with a new New Zealand record at a meeting in Salinas, California.
Throwing against the best West Coast Americans, Winchester, who last month suffered a flu interruption to his competition programme, threw 65.05m for second place in the
event behind Jared Rome's 65.92m.
Winchester's throw eclipsed his own previous record of 64.26m, also set in California, in 2000.
Winchester has hovered in the top six throwers in the Commonwealth and yesterday's throw propelled him into second place on the year's rankings. With several other USA meets planned before leaving for Europe on June 24, Winchester is hopeful of further improvement.
"We're delighted with Ian's throw, and to see him get a return on the huge commitment he's made to being in top form for Manchester," Athletics New Zealand general manager John Stewart said.
"He's kept us in touch with his progress and plans since returning to California in March, and it was fairly obvious to us that he was close to a breakthrough in recent times.
"This will be a real boost to Ian's confidence, to his team-mates, and the many who are currently heading overseas in search of qualification performances."
- NZPA
