Change of focus has paid off

BY LINDA WOOD

When Hassan Roble arrived in New Zealand from Somalia eight years ago, athletics was not his first choice of sporting pursuits.

Instead football topped that list. But now things have changed, with athletics taking over the No1 spot and Roble, 17, has been quick to make a name for himself both on the track and in cross-country events.

This year has already been one to remember for the Rongotai College year 13 student.

The highlight was his selection for the New Zealand secondary school cross-country team that competed in Slovakia in April. He finished 19th in the boys' race.

"I was surprised at being selected," he said. "Being part of the team and travelling to new places around the world was amazing.

"The teams were all supportive and friendly. I made new friends from different countries which I still keep in contact with."

Roble hopes that his first international experience will not be his last.

"I would love to represent New Zealand or my home country, Somalia, at the Olympics."

However, his attention for now is on Saturday's national secondary schools cross-country championship at Waikanae Park.

Roble has already had success on the course, having won the College Sport Wellington senior boys' title last month.

That win did not come without drama, as Roble lost his footing during the race and slipping over.

"I thought I had lost my chance to win as I had made the break from the pack early, but that advantage was lost when I fell. Once I was back up I just put my head down and ran my own race.

"It was not till the last lap that I turned around to find I had a clear lead from the chasing pack and realised I was in control of the race and it was mine to lose."

Although one of the top contenders for the senior boys' event on Saturday, Roble knows it won't be easy. "Everyone who was selected in the New Zealand team will be there and performing to a high level.

"Any one of those boys has the potential to step up and take the title," he said.

Roble is not the only Wellington athlete expected to feature strongly on Saturday, with Kieron McDonald, Tim Stewart and Yared Kebede expected to do well in the senior boys' race.

In the intermediate event, Nicholas Pointon, Mitchell Slee and Bakhard Mohammed should feature among the top half of the competitors and Marcus Karamanolis, Fletcher Greaves, James Fletcher and Logan Wylie should do well in the junior competition.

Among the local frontrunners in the girls' competition are Anna Roche, Nicole Mitchell and Florence Reynolds in the senior event, while Susannah Lynch and Jean Kozyniak are expected to feature among the top 10 in the intermediate event.

In the juniors' race, Bridget Kiddle, Holly White, Lucy Garner and Phoebe Parker stand out.

- © Fairfax NZ News