Athletics: Kiwis to benefit from standard change

Brent Newdick competes in the decathlon at the London Olympics. Photo / Getty

New Zealand track and field athletes will get few benefits from the international federation's easing of Olympic entry standards.

The IAAF reduced the qualifying standards for next year's Rio Games across 17 events at a November 26 meeting.

It's thought the move has been made in light of the doping issues that have rocked the sport, resulting in Russia's provisional suspension.

Athletics New Zealand convener of selectors Graham Seatter doubts that's the case.

He says they'll align themselves with the IAAF out of principle, and are waiting on New Zealand Olympic Committee's approval.

Seatter says their qualification standard is based on the potential to finish top 16 rather than get over the entry standard a number of times.

Most top New Zealand athletes - and the big hopes for Rio - have already met the 'A' standard qualification such as Val Adams, Tom Walsh, Nick Willis, Eliza McCartney and Angie Petty.