Carterton hammer thrower Alex Fafeita is aiming for the big time.
Fafeita, 16, has his sights set on attaining a qualifying mark for the world youth championships and coach John Quinn, also of Carterton, believes he is capable of reaching his target over the next few months.
It is Fafeita's impressive showings in recent training sessions which has Quinn enthused. He has to record a distance of 66m to make the worlds and, despite being in the relatively early stages of his preparation, is already managing 60m.
"He's looking strong, very strong, "Quinn said. "Technically, there is still a bit of work to do but we are getting there."
Making Fafeita's efforts more impressive is the fact that training amenities for hammer throwing in Wairarapa are less than adequate.
He has been using the Pugh Sports Bowl in Masterton lately but with no cage available to stop any wayward throws and track athletes often going through their paces nearby, problems have occurred between the two parties.
This resulted in Quinn deciding that Fafeita's training would be in Carterton where a makeshift cage would help ease safety concerns.
Hammer thrower takes aim at worlds
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.