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Published: February 16th 2011
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Having seen a Canadian track team travelling on the plane with us we were intrigued as to what Paralympics athletics event could be happening in Christchurch. As we went through the arrivals lounge we saw an advert for the World Athletics Championships being held in Christchurch that coming week in the local stadium!! So once in Christchurch and settled we found out a little more information and went to see the opening ceremony in Cathedral Square. Despite the rain and the lack of organisation there was a good atmosphere and a great crowd - though the organisers did not seem to correctly judge the number of spectators there would be or seemingly the number of athletes!!
As we were still awaiting the van to be ready we found out which bus would take us to the stadium - finding none that went directly there we got on one that went close enough to it to walk - the bus driver told us it was a very long walk when we got off, which turned out to be all of 5 minutes from where he dropped us!! We ended up at the athletes entrance and were kindly directed to the main
entrance by one of the volunteers. Though it was nice and sunny the stadium was quite chilly as we were stood under the shade and there was a wind blowing through the QEII Stadium!! The women’s long jump was just starting right below where we were standing so we watched that for a while along with all the other field events going on - though it was hard to see the seated throwers as they were at the opposite end to where we were stood. However we did witness a world record in the seated shot put and the seated javelin!!
Next came some track events - first up was the guided 800m heats and an 800m final. There still hadn’t been any GB athletes in any of the events until a 100m race with 2 GB men racing in the final. We were again stood about a third of the way down the track so had a good view of the start and the finish line. It was a close race with Ben Rushgrove coming in a very closely contested third place!!
As we were getting cold it was time for a hot drink so I left
Mark taking photos and went in search of tea! It was next to an opening out onto the stands so I was still able to pop my head out and see the action - which I was glad about as Richard Whitehead was running in the 200m final. Having ordered I popped my head out in time to see them round the bend with him sitting about 3rd then watched as he put the power down and steamed away from the rest of the field to win by quite a margin - absolutely awesome!! With tea in hand I returned to find Mark who was eager to tell me about the GB win as he thought I’d missed it!
After that excitement there were the women’s and men’s wheelchair 4 x 400m relays - though no GB team. Having never seen a wheelchair relay I was a little intrigued as to what the handover involved. After watching the first race I was more informed though very confused as to why 2 of the four teams were disqualified in the first heat and then 3 of the 4 teams were disqualified in the second heat and I still have no
idea why!! The men’s relay teams seemed to fair a little better as I don’t recall any of them being disqualified!!
Meanwhile there was T13 (blind) shot put going on in front of us which we were totally in awe of especially as some of the athletes where spinning when throwing - I know I’d be completely disorientated to spin with my eyes shut let alone try and release a shot put at the right time!!
Back on track there were some more relays this time the 4 x 100m, in the women’s there was a close contest run with GB coming in second!!
In the field events we watched a great discus competition with the athletes getting closer and closer to the world record which had stood for 13 years!! I was desperate to see them break and wasn’t disappointed - with a throw of over 40 metres taking the world and championship records along with the gold in the competition.
It was an absolutely fantastic morning despite being cold and what a great prospect for the 2012 Paralympics in London - even Eddie and Kylie enjoyed it!!
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Keilly
non-member comment
OMG!!!
Oh My God! I'm so jealous! what an amazing opportunity can't wait to her more about it when your home! By the looks of it you are having the time of your life!!! From a Really Jealous Keilly xxx