Athletics: Gill hitting PBs in training

Jacko Gill of Auckland competes at the 2016 National Track & Field Championships. Photo / Getty Images

Jacko Gill hopes personal bests in the weight room translate to new records in the shot put circle.

The young thrower has set a best bench press mark of 236 kilograms and a clean and jerk PB of 190kgs in the past week, as he builds up to the world indoor track and field championships.

Gill believes he's capable of clearing 21 metres in Portland next week, but acknowledges he's got to learn to strike a balance with his gym work.

He says he always want to gets stronger, but it's tiring him out for the technical sessions.

Gill will leave for the worlds on Sunday along with rising pole vault talent Eliza McCartney, who's been laid low by a cold this week.