Tom Walsh has celebrated his 32nd birthday in style by claiming shot put silver and making history on the opening day of the World Indoor Championship in Glasgow.
Walsh hit the lead with an opening throw of 22.07m, but was dislodged from the top spot by American counterpart Ryan Crouser with a 22.36m throw.
He ended up being 70cm short of gold medallist Crouser who won with a championship record throw of 22.77m, something he described as “a little bit frustrating.”
“I felt like I gave myself a really good chance to throw a long way, I almost nailed two or three of them which is what we come here to do, but I’m also glad I managed to get a medal.”
Somewhat of a consolation prize was the fact that a fifth medal makes him the most decorated men’s indoor shot putter ever, putting him on par with Dame Valerie Adams.
Walsh told 1News that to match Adams was “cool” and “hadn’t really sunken in”, but that he didn’t just want to match her.
“I’ve got a few more years up my sleeves, a few more indoor titles to get.”
It was a big day for the rest of the Kiwi contingent in Glasgow as well.
Fellow shot putters Jacko Gill and Maddi Wesche fell just outside podium contention, with a season best and personal best respectively.
Gill placed fifth, with a fourth round throw of 21.69m.
He said his performance was a “definite improvement” compared to the other guys.
“I thought previously I was a long way off the medals but today I felt I was good throw away from a medal.”
Wesche made her indoor debut at the Glasgow event throwing 19.62m in her fifth round, missing out on a bronze medal by 5cm.
The 24-year-old Aucklander extended her streak of setting personal bests which offers confidence that she could be a medal prospect at the Paris Olympics.
She said that she was “super happy” with her performance.
“It was my first indoor competition, and I couldn’t have asked for more than a PB.
“Being so close to a medal is tough but this gives me confidence going into Paris.”
Maia Ramsden and George Beamish blitzed their 1500m running heats to progress to tomorrow’s final.
Ramsden broke the New Zealand indoor record with a third place finish of 4:09.83, just hours after finishing her senior thesis.
“It has been an incredible experience so far and today extends that by two more days!
“I’m so grateful for the opportunity and the chance to compete again in the final.”