Record-Breaking Performances at Allan and Sylvia Potts Classic & New Zealand Short Track Championships
The Allan and Sylvia Potts Classic opened the Continental Tour in the Oceania Area in Hastings, setting the tone for the season with record breaking performances. Alongside the meeting, New Zealand hosted its inaugural Short Track Championships, with Inaugural National titles on the line,
Zoe Hobbs claimed the first New Zealnd short track title in the women’s 60 metres, reinforcing her place as Oceania’s fastest woman. Headwinds were not favourable for the sprinters on the track. Tiaan Whelpton followed with a confident win in the men’s 60 metres, taking home the inaugural men’s short track crown.
In the field, reigning Oceania shot put champion Nick Palmer delivered a commanding performance, winning the men’s event with a throw of 19.60 metres. 2025 World Para Championships gold medallist Lisa Adams returned to the circle to take victory in the para shot put, throwing 12.61m
One of the most anticipated moments of the meet came in the men’s 800 metres, where Sam Ruthe and Sam Tanner went head to head once again. Both dipped under 1 minute 46 seconds for personal bests, with Ruthe taking the win in 1:45.90, breaking his own New Zealand under 17, under 18, under 19 and under 20 records. The pair will renew their rivalry next week at the Pak’nSave Cooks International Classic, lining up in the mile as part of their ongoing series of matchups.
Cook Islands athlete Max Teuruaa had a standout weekend, rewriting the national record books across multiple events. Max cleared four metres in the pole vault to better his own national record and became the first Cook Islander to contest the 60 metre hurdles, setting another national mark in the process. Reflecting on the weekend and decathlons ahead, Teuruaa said, “It’s a good start to the year. I’ve got 10 different opportunities to improve and I’m going to go after them.” With the Commonwealth Games in mind, he continues to build towards improving his National Record in the decathlon.
The Continental Tour now moves to Whanganui for the Pak’nSave Cooks International Classic, which will also host the New Zealand Mile Championships. Another round of middle distance showdowns awaits as the series gathers momentum.
Full results are available online:
Image: Michael Dawson / Athletics New Zealand
—ENDS—