6 Dec 2011

Gill does what he wanted to do

11:21 am on 6 December 2011

The coach of the Auckland shot-putter Jacko Gills says he's not suprised by the distance the 16-year-old is throwing.

Last night Gill threw 20.38 metres, a national record, to surpass the London Olympic Games qualifying mark by 8 centimetres.

The mark is also a new World's best for athletes aged 16 and 17.

His coach Didier Poppe told Morning Report that its what was expected... and he will improve ahead of next year's Olympics.

Gill was too young to compete at this year's World champs in Korea but last night's performance, would have qualified him for the final and placed him 8th overall.