18 Mar 2016

McCartney finishes fifth at world indoor champs

5:00 pm on 18 March 2016

The New Zealand pole vaulter Eliza McCartney has finished fifth at the world indoor athletics champs in Portland in Oregon.

McCartney cleared 4 metres 70 but failed her three attempts at 4 metres 80.

Earlier this month the Aucklander set a New Zealand and Oceania record at the outdoor national track and field champs in Dunedin when she cleared four metres 80.

Polevaulter Eliza McCartney

Eliza McCartney Photo: Photosport

World record holder American Jennifer Suhr won the event.

McCartney is part of a five strong New Zealand team competing in Portland.

Shot putters Tom Walsh and Jacko Gill compete on Saturday afternoon while women's shot putter Val Adams and middle distance runner Nick Willis compete on Sunday.