Silver medalist Jacko Gill of New Zealand and Gold medalist Tom Walsh of New Zealand celebrate after the Men's Shot Put Final at Alexander Stadium, Birmingham, England on Friday 5 August 2022. Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. © Photo: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
A trio of shot putters and Olympic high jump champion Hamish Kerr are named to compete for New Zealand at the athletics world championships in Tokyo.
Tom Walsh, Jacko Gill and Maddi Wesche were named, along with Kerr, for the event in September, with all four having also been selected for last month's world indoor championships in China.
Veteran shot putter Walsh, 33, won a third career indoor gold in Nanjing while Kerr bagged silver.
Two-time Olympic bronze medallist Walsh has bagged two world championships medals - gold in 2017 and bronze in 2019.
Wesche, 25, will hope to rediscover the form that earned her a silver medal at last year's Olympics in Paris.
Hamish Kerr contesting the men’s high jump at the Paris Olympics. Photo: photosport
Kerr, 28, will be among the favourites for gold at the Japan National Stadium after soaring to a memorable gold in Paris.
Athletics New Zealand chief executive Cam Mitchell said further selections will be made as athletes meet the qualification standards over coming months.
"We're incredibly proud to have such world-class athletes representing New Zealand in Tokyo," he said.
"This initial group not only brings experience and proven success on the biggest stages, but they continue to inspire future generations."
