1.
SV: race in progress and Henry Rono wins. (4 shots)
0.34

2.
SV: race in progress and John Walker wins (8 shots)
1.20


COMMENTATOR: "Rono, a sub-four minute-miler turning on the pace here. He's got plenty of speed. It's a pity he lacks the strength and he's got tough conditions here today and seems set to go well under 28 minutes. A magnificent performance by 25-year-old Henry Rono. Eighteen seconds outside the world record. That is one of the finest 10,000 metre races we've ever seen in New Zealand and only two seconds slower than the time set by Vic Taylor when he won the gold medal in Christchurch in 1974.



Once again a two horse race between Walker and Couglan. Paunonen, the strong young Finnish runner, still mixing it with Walker. Now Walker starts to pick up with about 300 Metres still to go. Couglan is going with him.



The Finn is still there as well. Walker, Couglan and Paunonen with 230 Metres to go. John walker, Couglan slipping through on the inside takes the bend. Now he's setting out after Walker with 100 Metres still to go. Walker. Can he hold the Irishman off. Into the home straight goes John Walker and he's moving away. Eamonn Couglan. Tonight he reverses the tables. Slams he door on the Irishman and John Walker rips into the tape and victory. And what a time for John Walker - three minutes 56 seconds and victory again at Mount Smart Stadium for John Walker."




Initials RH/0130


SPORT: ATHLETICS

Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: Some of the world's leading athletes are currently in New Zealand and the latest in a series of international class meetings was held on Sunday at Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland. Once again New Zealand's World Mile Record Holder and Olympic 1500 Metre titleholder, John Walker, narrowly edged out the Irish runner Eamonn Couglan in the keynote event. He defeated him in the mile by one second. There was impressive running too from visitors. In the 10,000 metres, Kenyan runner Henry Rono thrilled the large crowd at the meeting with a near record time win. Here is a report from New Zealand television.