Athletics: First athletes selected for world champs

Valerie Adams. File photo / NZ Herakd

Athletics New Zealand has announced the first group of eight athletes selected for the world championships in Beijing later this year.

The selections are led by four times world shot put champion Valerie Adams, seasoned middle distance campaigner Nick Willis and Commonwealth Games shot put medallist Tom Walsh.

Also named is the other member of the dynamic men's shot put duo, Jacko Gill, and experienced javelin thrower Stuart Farquhar.

Quentin Rew, missing from the Commonwealth Games as walking was not included on the Glasgow programme is named in the 20km and 50km walking events.

Two young prospects heading to their first senior championship following good showings at world junior level are 3000m steeplechaser Rosa Flanagan and heptathlete Portia Bing.

The first round of selections includes athletes who have met the selection criteria in the qualification period which began for most athletes on 1 October 2014. The period for decathlon, heptathlon, 10,000m, marathon and race walk athletes began on 1 January 2014.

A number of athletes are likely to be added following the Oceania Championships in Cairns in May and more athletes who are seeking qualifying performance in USA and Europe will further swell the team.

The second selection announcement will be on 18 May and the final athletes will be named on August 10.

The championships will be held in the famous Olympic Bird's Nest stadium in Beijing August 22-30.

Initial selections:
Valerie Adams (Auckland) shot put
Portia Bing (Auckland) heptathlon
Stuart Farquhar (Hamilton) javelin
Rosa Flanagan (Christchurch) 3000m steeplechase
Jacko Gill (Auckland) shot Put
Quentin Rew (Aust based) 20km walk, 50km walk
Tom Walsh (Christchurch) shot Put
Nicholas Willis (USA based) 1500m, 5000m