It's been another week of highs, and one low, for Taieri Athletics, the low being the first cancellation for the season of the Tuesday night meeting for the children given the cold and damp conditions.
The weather in the early season can always be a bit unpredictable, but it is disappointing for the children and the club officials to break the momentum.
The seniors did hold one event, a standing triple jump.
During the week, the club's Para athletes arrived home from a lengthy stint in Doha.
They were tired, but excited about their success and their prospects for the Rio Olympics.
Holly Robinson completed the team effort with a 38.18m throw to secure a bronze medal in the javelin, her favoured event.
Holly found the city of Doha, its people and its culture fascinating. However, the 35-36degC temperatures took a bit of adjusting to, and made competition conditions trying.
One of the lasting memories from the meet for Holly, was a one-legged Brazilian high jumper who cleared 1.79m, an amazing performance.
Last weekend, the Auckland and New Zealand marathon was held.
The women's event was won by a former member of the club, Katie Kemp, nee Urquhart.
Katie started her running career as an 8-year-old with the harriers section when living on the Taieri.
She now lives in Wellington, and competes for the Wellington Scottish club.
The highlight of this week's interclub meet at the Caledonian was the run of Felix McDonald, who set an Otago M 17 age-group record of 39.25sec over the 300m hurdles.
Felix is progressing very well over the hurdles and the shorter sprints at this early stage of the season.
He has the outstanding attributes of speed and technique required for this tough discipline.
He also has all-round ability as evidenced by his 6.40m effort in the long jump.
Other athletes to shine included Zharna Beattie, who was first in the U14 girls discus, and Charlotte Wheeler, who was first in the U14 girls hammer throw.
In the high jump, Jonathon Brownjohn (M 18-19), Hannah Ashton (U14 girls) and Mikalya Thorn (W 17) all achieved respectable heights.
The Palmer sisters, Leonie and Joccoaa, continue to show prowess in the long and triple jump (W 15-17).
Lily Cunningham ran a slick 100m to head the W 15-17 field, with Joccoaa and Emma Ward hot on her heels.
Christina Ashton claimed the W18-19 100m with a 12.71 effort, and also the 60m dash.
In the 800m, there was a sure sign of things to come when Sam Gouverneur clocked 2 min 05sec, and Jacob Grainger 2min 06.98 sec.
Cameron Gardiner and Charlotte Wheeler also had impressive runs over the same distance.
The children's multi-minis, day one, were held during the morning, with some large fields, especially in the field events.
Neve Beattie, Georgia McHutchon and Jorja Gibbons were prominent in the 60m races, as was Millie MacKenzie who was first in the girls grade 8. Millie excelled in the 100m, the long jump and the discus.
Jaxon and Danni Thomson, Shyah and Neve Beattie, Jorja Gibbons and Emma McKay dominated the 100m fields, Tara McNally likewise in the girls 13 grade.
Cole Gibbons had some big efforts in the grade 11 100m, 400m and long jump.
In the boys 9 discus, Jaxon Thomson's throw of 23.77m was 3m ahead of the very large field.
Neve Beattie had a similar margin in the girls 9 discus.
There were so many superb performances from a strong Taieri team.
Evening, summer, athletic meeting, Memorial Park, Tuesday November 17, Kiwi Sport 5.30 pm.
(3-5 year olds)Children: 5.30 pm, (6-11 year olds) seniors 6.30 pm.
(12 years and over). Inquiries: Angie Beattie on 4847003.
Programme: 60m, standing triple jump and croquet ball throw.
The Summer running and walking group meets at Saddle Hill overbridge car park, 8.00 am Saturday morning.
Midweek run and walk from clubrooms 5.30 pm.
Inquiries: Rob on 4847556.
