Hansen heads athletics surge

Marlborough’s athletes, young and older, have been to the forefront both nationally and regionally in recent times.

Dave Hansen and his son James competed in the New Zealand decathlon champs in Christchurch on February 6-7 with notable success.

Brooklyn Smidt-Robinson shows a clean pair of heels to the 80m field.

Both Hansens won their grade, James registering five personal bests on the gruelling second day to take out the under-18 boys grade, while Dave also secured a win, along with a NZ record, in the masters M40 section.

On Saturday, the Mahar Cup competition was staged in Nelson.

This annual event, which involves competitors from Marlborough, Nelson and West Coast, was contested at Saxton Field.

The Mahar Cup team comprised Dave Hansen, Jamie Arbuckle, Remy Le Brun, Joseph Brooks, James Hansen, Dale (DJ) Arbuckle and Laura Smidt.

Again, James Hansen underlined his burgeoning talent, taking

home the prestigious Mawhera Shield, awarded for the outstanding performance at the meet

, achieved when he broke the 400m boys 16 record in a time of 52.09 seconds. Two years ago, his father

was awarded the Mawhera Shield.

The Marlborough senior men’s relay team won the 4 x 100m

McConochie Memorial Baton for the second year running.

The team comprised Brooks, Arbuckle, Le Brun and James Hansen.

Smidt won the 1500, Brooks the 100 and 200m sprint double, Le Brun took second in the 100 and third in the 200, DJ took out the 800 under-17 boys and placed in long jump and high jump, James Hansen won the 400 and discus, and placed in the high jump while Dave Hansen brought home a couple of titles in the throws, high

jump and 400 senior.

Hannah Harper streaks for the finish line on the final leg of the relay.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, the region’s younger athletes turned out in force for the annual Winstone Cup meeting at Athletic Park.

Seventy eight Marlborough children were involved, taking on opposition from their own region, plus Richmond and Nelson clubs.

In perfect conditions the youngsters demonstrated their skills across a variety of events, creating many PBs and featuring in some extremely close contests, while being cheered on by an enthusiastic band of supporters.