1975 Southland Athletes looking strong for Commonwealth Games

Some athletes to stand out in the 1975 season were Ron Davis winning a gold medal at the New Zealand championships in the long jump.  Gore athletes, Callum McKinlay and Pam Redman.  It was amazing really this year that the athletes did so well as the weather was terrible and there was not one good Saturday for competition.

It was amazing how these three in particular could improve against better competition and the fact that they had all weather tracks to compete on.  Their times had not been that great this season but when the chips were down they performed well.
This of course has made the centre more aware of the importance of getting an all weather track and it is hoped that they can increase the competitor base from the 250 registered athletes they have now.   By Christmas 1976 Ron Davis had been ranked at No. 1 long jumper in New Zealand and it is to  his credit that he won gold at New Zealand champs. 
Zane Butson a junior, performed really well and continued his impressive season by running into 3rd place in the 400m.
His time of 50.02 was a great time and he is definitely a great prospect for the future   The Gore couple in the secondary school
section performed above expectations and New Zealand athletics are going to be watching them closely.  In the national U-18 colts and the junior women's track and field competition where Pam Redman finished second at a time of 2.14.94 in the women's 800m and Callum got third in the mens 800 m in 1.555.79.
There seemed to have been more meets than usual and this is definitely giving these kids a lot more experience as they compete against older and experienced athletes.  This can only be good for New Zealand with the Commonwealth games next year.