Athletics New Zealand – News – Kim Smith Withdraws from Moscow World Championships – Nick Willis wins mile in Michigan in 3m 56.57s

UNITED STATES – Running Institute Mile, Saline Michigan – 4 August 2013
Nick Willis preparing for the world athletic championships in Moscow ran his tenth fastest mile in winning the Running Institute mile in Michigan in 3m 56.57s.

Willis was aiming for the Michigan State record of 3m 55.87s held by Kevin Sullivan since 2000. Willis’ best mile is 3m 50.66s set in 2008.

Murray McKinnon
Athletics Correspondent
Athletics New Zealand
0274 806086
murray@mckinnon.co.nz

Kim Smith Withdraws from Moscow World Championships    

Kim Smith has been forced to withdraw from the World Athletics championships in Moscow starting 10 August. The Providence, Rhode Island  based runner was to have raced in the 10,000 metres.

Smith has been troubled by a foot injury and a sore Achilles tendon for the past month and has been resting it to allow a full recovery.

This has meant she has lost valuable training time at a crucial stage of her  preparations and has advised the Athletics New Zealand high performance distance coach, Steve Willis of her decision.

The multiple New Zealand record holder  (3000m – marathon) is back running but will not be ready to race 10,000 metres on the track.

She will focus on her rehabilitation and hopes to be back racing in the US autumn.

 
Scott Goodman
Athletics NZ High Performance Director
021 898 608

Athletics New Zealand – News