Athletics: Tom Walsh fit to compete in Auckland Track Challenge

Shot putter Tom Walsh has confirmed he is fit to compete at the Auckland Track Challenge next Thursday at Trusts Stadium. Photo / Photosport.

Shot putter Tom Walsh has confirmed he is fit to compete at the Auckland Track Challenge next Thursday at Trusts Stadium.

Walsh missed The Big Shot event in Christchurch on February 8 with a hip injury.

His rival Jacko Gill won the meet with a personal best and Olympic qualification standard throw of 20.83m.

Walsh's best throw of 21.62m came in Croatia during September as part of a break-through year on the international circuit.

"I'm back into full training again," Walsh said. "It's been a frustrating two-week period, but it's good to have the hip right again.

and I can't wait to step into the circle against Damo [Australian champion Damien Birkinhead] and Jacko next week.

"Being at The Big Shot was a strange feeling - it was really disappointing not competing there, but even though I didn't throw because of the injury, I had pre?comp nerves just standing and watching."

Double Olympic champion Val Adams is also using the meet as her come back competition after pulling out of the world championships last August with elbow and leg injuries which required surgery.