Nick Willis to run in Christchurch event

By RICHARD KNOWLER - The Press

Olympic 1500m medallist Nick Willis has been confirmed to run in Christchurch next year, although in which event remains uncertain.

Willis has told the International Track Meet organisers he will contest either the 800m or 1500m at QEII on March 18. The Kiwi athlete is expected to be upgraded from the bronze to the silver medal following the International Olympics Committee's decision to strip Bahrain's Rashid Ramzi of the gold for doping in Beijing in 2008.

"He's not 100 per cent sure at this stage what events he will be in, but he has confirmed he will be competing at the meeting. He will wait and decide that in early January," meet organiser Leyton Tremain said. "I guess he will see how his preparation goes."

Willis is expected to spend about six weeks in New Zealand during the summer and will train with the Kiwirun tour in the North Island before returning to the United States.

There he is likely to enter the Reebok Boston Indoor Games on February 6.

The 26-year-old will also race at the national championships in Christchurch 10 days after the International Track Meet.

Willis was eager to compete in the International Mile race this year but was forced to withdraw because of a hamstring injury.

"He expressed a desire to want to compete in New Zealand and to bring athletes of his calibre to our shores, so that is why we are speaking to him and why the concept arose," Tremain said.

"It is a chance to race at home and an opportunity to help grow and develop the sport," he said.Willis might be wise not to hold his breath regarding an Olympic medal upgrade because Ramzi can still appeal via the Court of Arbitration.

Olympic gold medallist Valerie Vili is unlikely to enter the Christchurch event because of a crammed programme.

The shot putter is scheduled to attend the world indoor championships in Qatar the weekend before and the chances of being ready to compete again following a quick turnaround seem unlikely.

"She is someone we would love to get to our meeting, but unfortunately she is not competing until Sunday evening and our event is on the Thursday. Unfortunately, with all the travel there is not going to be enough time for her to be fresh enough to compete," Tremain said.

More than 3000 spectators were estimated to have attended last season's event, which broke even.

A volunteer organising committee runs the event on behalf of Athletics Canterbury.

Twenty-three athletes from five countries attended last season and it is hoped more will attend next year.