Track suggested as tribute to Willis

Fledgling Wellington athletes could soon train on a track named after Olympics bronze medallist and former Hutt Valley resident Nick Willis.

Lower Hutt Mayor David Ogden has suggested building an all-weather athletics track and naming it after the former Hutt Valley High School pupil, who bolted into bronze position in the 1500 metres in Beijing.

Mr Ogden said he was keen to honour Willis, who also won gold in the same event at the 2006 Commonwealth Games. "He's a very nice young man. He's very talented and very focused."

He was trying to get hold of Willis, who is based in the United States, to discuss the idea.

Plans for a track were still tentative, with the council investigating suitable sites, including Hutt Park and Hutt Recreation Ground.

No formal cost estimates were available, but a similar track proposed for Wairarapa has been estimated at $1 million.

Mr Ogden said he hoped a track would be ready by 2010.

Willis's former club, Lower Hutt Amateur Athletics Club, was enthusiastic about the idea. "It'd be fantastic, not just for the club but for the region." club chairman Phil Jensen said.

Meanwhile, thousands of Hastings and Napier residents are expected to turn out this Saturday for tickertape parades to welcome home rowing gold medallists Caroline and Georgina Evers-Swindell, of Hastings.

About 13,000 people attended parades held for the twins after their first Olympic win at Athens in 2004.

Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule, who said their double Olympic golds was truly remarkable, will hold a civic reception after the Hastings parade.

"They are two of New Zealand's most successful sportspeople and the community wants to congratulate their win in style."