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Nikki Hamblins smile wasnt one of a woman who had sealed Olympic selection yet. It was more a show of relief that, after several months struggling with injury, she was at last back on track and giving herself a chance for higher honours. The two-time Commonwealth Games silver medalist returned to action at the NZ Track & Field Championships at Waitakere, kicking away on the final bend to capture a third straight 1500m title. Her 4m 19.63s was still 12 seconds shy of the Olympic qualifying standard, but that certainly wasnt the point on this occasion. I know they select the first wave of the Olympic team this afternoon and I don't expect to be named in that because I haven't raced, she said. I thought if I did something decent like a 4.08 today that might have been enough to get me in the team, but really I think it's a bit quick for me right now. My aim was to go for the win. Im just happy to be back training and running and racing today. My biggest thing this weekend was just wanting my feet not to be sore, and being able to train tomorrow and the day after. Hamblin qualified with her 4m 04.82s national record last July, but now needs to complete her comeback from the bursitis that has plagued her since last years world championships. We havent quite got to the bottom of why and I dont know that we ever will, but its about keeping myself as healthy as I can for the next four months so I can train every day between now and London. Another still hoping to put injury behind her to achieve Olympic qualification is Waikato sprinter Monique Williams, but this was not the day for fast times over 200m. Battling strong winds around the turn, she barely held off 400m champion Kristie Baillie in 24.50s to complete her sprint double and, like Hamblin, is now racing the clock to regain her best form. Javelin thrower Stuart Farquhars London berth has now been confirmed and he showed a glimpse of abilities, falling marginally short of the standard at this meet with 79.37m. Decathlon hopeful Brent Newdick also backed up his three titles the previous day with bronze medals in the javelin (55.26m) and shot (14.59m).

Nikki Hamblin
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