1990 medal for athlete

Ruapehu Bulletin, 10 September 1991, Page 9

1990 medal for athlete

BY

JO

HOWIE

Sergeant Major Wayne Paul was awarded the New Zealand 1990 Medal last week for his services to athletics. Wayne has been competing at an International level since 1981, and has been unbeaten domestically since then in the 400 metre hurdles and the 800 metre sprint. He has competed in the 1982, 1986, 1990 Commonwealth Games, the Olympics in 1984, the World Championships, and the World Cup. He made the finals at the World Cup. Unfortunately during the 400 metre hurdles heat at the 1990 Commonwealth Games he fractured a bone in his foot and was unable to compete. His next aim is the Olympics in Barcelona. Wayne trains seven days a week, twice a day, up to five hours a day. He commutes every weekend to Auckland so he can train on an allweather track. Before Waiouru he spent three years in Auckland and trained at Papakura Athletic Club. "It's my old club so I can train with other sprinters and use the

equipment. There are no facilities here that I need in Waiouru, so I have to go to Auckland. Sprinters need to be with other sprinters." Wayne said. "My biggest fear is getting an injury here in Waiouru. There is no access to a specialist sports doctor. I would rather take it quietly than risk an injury." "I do look at the positive side of Waiouru. I have a good job that I

enjoy." Wayne is an instructor at the Catering Wing of the School of Transport and Catering. "The army has always supported my athletics. I have always been allowed time off to train in Europe during our winter. I suppose while I'm the national title holder, the Army will support me." "There are no incentives to strive for in New Zealand in athletics. Athletics overseas is all full time professional. This explains the lack of depth in New Zealand athletics." Wayne is sponsored by Brooks in America.