We’re looking forward to a big 2018 after a good break over the holidays to refresh and rejuvenate. We hope you have done the same and come back after the holidays ready to kick start the rest of the summer season.

The North Island Colgate Games and the Lovelock Classic kicked off the new year last weekend and we congratulate all those involved at the Colgates for coping with the weather that resulted in the cancellation of day one. Getting things back on track once the weather improved was a big effort. Focus shifts to Timaru this weekend for the South Island Colgates and Hawera for Jumps to Music next Wednesday.

In this issue of Athletics in Action we chat with Isaiah Priddey, one of the stand-out performers at the NZ Secondary School Champs, we look at the performances and progress of Matt Baxter and we catch up with long jumper  Mariah Ririnui for our “Five minutes with …” segment. 

There's much more in this issue of Athletics in Action, so keep reading.

Matthew Baxter's NCAA star on the rise

Matt Baxter produced the best ever performance by a New Zealand man at the NCAA Cross Country Championships by finishing an outstanding second in November. Steve Landells chats to the rising talent from Taranaki about his incredible Stateside adventure.
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Blade Runner Liam Malone retires

Bladerunner Liam Malone, who lit up the 2016 Paralympic Games with his sensational sprint double, has announced his retirement from athletics. The charismatic Nelson-raised athlete says he has made the difficult decision due to a number of factors.
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Halberg Awards finalists

Athletics has three finalists for the Halberg Awards to be held on 8 February.
Congratulations Tom Walsh (Sportsman of the Year), along with Holly Robinson and William Stedman (Disabled Sportsperson of the Year).
Tom Walsh is also a finalist in the Favourite Sport Moment Award, so jump online and vote now!

Member Benefits

One of the advantages of belonging to an Athletics NZ affiliated club, and automatically becoming a member of Athletics NZ, is that you and your family can access the Athletics NZ Member Benefits  programme. The programme can save you money on travel, accommodation, rental cars, insurance, sports gear, sports medical products and more, just by being a member of your local athletics club. We feature some of our Member Benefits Partners below.
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Executive Travel offers a personalised service delivered 24/7 utilising state-of-art technology with traveller safety always top of mind. We employ the best in the business with the expertise and knowledge to cover all your travel needs from start to finish and back. Athletics NZ members will receive contracted discounts on applicable published airfares on Air New Zealand when attending events or conferences endorsed by Athletics NZ.

Choice Hotels

If you’re looking for places to stay for your next event, work trip or holiday, why not try Choice Hotels! Our member benefits partner Choice Hotel Group offer Athletics NZ members, family and friends 15% discount on accommodation. Tick  SC15  and quote Client ID 00288970 when booking online or by phone.
Check out Choice


The latest to join our member benefits is Go Native, making delicious, all natural, slow release energy snacks and multi-day expedition food packs for active people. Go Native is offering Athletics New Zealand supporters a generous 15% off their Go Native Mango and Apple Fruit Bites Pack of 15 and donating $2 from the sale of every 15 pack sold to the continuing development of athletics in New Zealand. Available from now until the end of January 2018 for NZ residents. 

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