Lack into finals at IPC Athletics World Championships

Lack into finals at IPC Athletics World Championships

Opotiki’s Matthew Lack was the first New Zealander on the track at the IPC Athletics World Championships in Christchurch and he made an instant impact by easily qualifying for the T54 800 metres finals tomorrow.

Lack sat just behind the pace for the first 600 metres but moved out to challenge when entering the home straight and comfortably held the lead to the line.

The first two finishers in each of the three heats made the final, along with the two other fastest qualifiers. Lack’s time was 1.41.28secs. Top qualifier was Jordan Bird (USA) at 1.40.19 with world record holder David Weir (Great Britain) winning the second heat in 1.41.45.

Having drawn the outside lane, Luck made sure he was close to the leaders once they came out of their lanes after 100m. “I was happy to sit behind early as I didn’t want to lead. Once we straightened I just went for it, but there was a bit left in the tank at the end,” he said.

Hokitika’s Holly Robinson was just outside her personal best with a throw of 8.43m in the F46 shot put event. She was unplaced.

There are four New Zealanders competing tomorrow. London-based Tim Prendergast (formerly Wellington) is first off in the 1500m final at 11.34am. Jess Hamill (Invercargill) starts the afternoon session in the shot put at 4pm followed by Wellington’s Rory McSweeney (javelin) at 4.05pm and Luck in the 800m final at 6.50pm.

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