Top result by Karori’s James Preston

By Frank Neill

Karori runner James Preston clocked a world-leading time of 1 minute 45.85 seconds in winning the 800 metres at the Maurie Plant track and field meeting in Melbourne on 23 February.

In the World Continental Tour Gold Meet – the most prestigious one-day athletics competition in Oceania – the 25-year-old Kiwi showed an impressive turn of pace down the home straight to repel the challenge of fellow New Zealander Brad Mathas.

In finishing second, Brad chipped 0.01 from his two-year-old lifetime best to clock 1:46.00.

James, who is unbeaten over 800 metres this season, sat second behind Lachlan Raper of Australia after the pacemaker – who ran a slick 50.20 for the first 400m – departed for the final lap dust up.

As seven men entered the home straight with a chance of victory, James sat in third place.

He appeared to momentarily check his position before veering out to launch his winning burst for home.

Brad responded by launching a vicious kick on the inside rail and briefly challenged John, who was notable for his long stride.

However the Wellington Scottish athlete would not be denied a famous win to complete a memorable day for New Zealand two-lap running.

James set his personal best of 1 minute 45.30 seconds to move to number three on the all-time New Zealand men’s 800m lists in Pfungstadt, Germany last year.

The two New Zealanders who have run faster than this time over 800 metres are the famous Olympic gold medalists Peter Snell and John Walker.

As well as being a world-leading

James Preston in action. Photo: Supplied. performance, James’ time was also this season’s best mark. It will also see him gain a big boost in the world rankings.

James was one of two New Zealanders who tasted victory at the Maurie Plant meeting.

Hamilton’s Tori Peeters defeated a top class international field in the women’s javelin to win with a best throw of 59.00 metres.

Tori finished ahead of the 2018 Commonwealth Games champion Kathryn Mitchell of