Smokefree Athletics Meet

Nick Willis [Valleys United] continued his golden summer setting a new National under 18 Record of 1.48.98 at Porritt Stadium, Hamilton in the Smokefree Twilight meet staged in humid conditions.

In an outstanding race Jason Stewart [Napier], a finalist in last year's World Junior Championships over the 800m distance, took over pace after the leader ran the field through a well judged first lap of 52.5 secs. Willis tucked up on Stewart's shoulder and tracked the talented junior throughout until a strong kick from Willis in home stretch gave him the decisive break to go away and win in an fabulous new record time for the young 17 year old. During this golden summer Willis has stormed on to the track scene to be a fresh young star. He has now taken some 2.5 secs. off the 800m record previously held by Stewart as well as setting a new Under 20 Mile record and Under 18 1500m record in at the Cooks Garden Classic in mid January.

Willis now heads next weekend to the adidas Track and Field Nationals in Hastings before taking up an Invitation to race in USA in early March.

Carl Jackson from Valleys finished 3rd in the same race, with a time of 1:52:40

full results are at the Cool Running site.