NOOA RAN - and was on TV !
Nooa Takooa, at the age of 16 and in his first overseas Athletics competition, did not seem to feel the pressure as he went on his blocks in Lane 5 of Heat 10 of the M100m. at the World Athletics Championships in Berlin this afternoon. At the warm-üp area, in the Call Rooms, and before and after his race, he kept company with the best in the world.
The weather was clear and sunny, warm enough for the locals to be sun-bathing in the parks. There was one false start in his Heat (not his fault) but this did not slow his reaction to the gun. He ran with determination - later seen close-up on a TV recording of his race ! - and finished 8th. of the 8 runners in 11.74. This equates to 11.5 manual timing and he was credited with an electronic PB. His best at home has been 11.4 twice this year, so he was not far off his best.
JOYCE TOMORROW.
Our female entry, Joyce (Tioiti) Katutu, will compete at roughly the same time tomorrow. She and Albert (coach) kept Nooa company until he reported to the first Call Room, so they know where and when things are meant to happen in the reporting and competing process.
Considering this was the morning session of Day 1, there was a good crowd in the Stadium, and naturally the German competitors received great and noisy support.
All systems seemed to be working well, including the remote buggy used to convey the Hammer implements back to the circle !
What a great toy !
Last Modified on 03/09/2009 21:51