Roble surprise selection

Somalian-born runner Hassan Roble was the bolter named in the six-strong New Zealand secondary schoolboys' team to compete at the World Secondary Schools Cross-Countr Championships in Slovakia next April.

Roble, 16, impressed selectors at the national secondary schools cross-country championships in Nelson last May. The Rongotai College year 12 pupil placed 16th in the senior boys' 6km race, in 19min 37sec.

Roble admitted selection came as a shock.

"I was excited when I heard. I didn't think I'd have a chance for the team."

Roble used to run for Wellington Scottish but took a break from serious training in the past couple of seasons when soccer took over.

He ran with a Rongotai College squad during winter, but now aims to lift his mileage.

"I will have to run every day," he said.

Roble hopes his results may set up further opportunities such as an athletics scholarship overseas and like most runners aspires to make the Olympics.

This year Wellington's Terefe Ejigu, an Ethiopian-born refugee, was awarded a prestigious athletics scholarship to East Michigan University in Detroit.

Roble is hoping for something along the same lines. He is looking forward to the travel in the new year, but first has to raise about $7000 towards airfares and expenses.

"It will be fun. I've never travelled there [Slovakia] before," he said.

"I'd like to be in the Olympics one day."

National selector Don Dalgleish said Roble had always been a talented runner who excelled as a junior.

Only year 12 pupils and younger were eligible for the secondary schools team. Tawa College's Jack Olliver and Yared Kebede (St Pat's Town) were named as reserves.

Wanganui Collegiate was named to represent New Zealand in the girls' teams event.

- © Fairfax NZ News