Nick Willis first Kiwi in Olympic track final since 1996
BEIJING, China - Recovering from a near-disaster with 250 meters remaining in tonight's semifinal, Nick Willis qualified for the 1500-meter final in a time of 3:37.54. He becomes the first New Zealander to qualify for a track final since 800-meter runner Toni Hodgkinson did so in Atlanta in 1996.
As he crossed the finish line, the 25-year-old Willis raised his arms and looked to the heavens in celebration.
Willis said he felt he was in good position with just over half a lap remaining when, running on the inside rail, he got trapped behind a runner who suddenly slowed. Pulling out into traffic, he said, "You lose momentum, and you've got to really regather your speed." But the 2006 Commonwealth Games gold medalist didn't panic, surging to the fifth and final qualifying spot.
"Fortunately, I still had some strength in my legs because of my tactics earlier," he said.
Willis also made the final at last year's World Championships, finishing 10th. "When I got there I thought to myself, I just wanted to enjoy the experience." he said. "This time is different. I want to capitalize on this opportunity."
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