Pole position at Mission Bay
Olympic athletes will be competing alongside frisbee throwers and dog walkers this Saturday 5.30pm at Mission Bay Beach. Olympic decathlete and former AUT student Brent Newdick, who placed 12th at last year’s London Olympics, will be the star attraction when the Summer Vault pole vault competition continues this weekend.
A temporary synthetic rubber track will be laid on the grass leading to pole vault mats in front of Mecca Stonehouse restaurant. Top decathletes from the United States and Russia will take on Newdick in a competition that will likely see the winner propel themselves more than five metres in the air.
This is the second year for the Summer Vaults after a successful debut this time last year.
Brent Newdick has been the dominant force in the world of decathlon in New Zealand for the last decade. He has a personal best of 8114 points and in 2010 he won the silver medal in the Dehli Commonwealth Games.
Battle of the Olympians
Others to compete against Newdick this Saturday include Australian Stephen Cain, American Jake Arnold and his Kiwi rival Scott McLaren. Megan Jamerson from the United States is likely to take out the women’s competition.
The public is invited to watch the ticketed event. A limited number of general admission tickets are $35 (or $25 for a group of four and more) and includes a complimentary drink on arrival.
For tickets more details go to the facebook page or contact Brent Newdick 021680250 brentnewdick@gmail.com