New Zealand pole vaulter Eliza McCartney has finished just out of the medals at the world indoor athletics championships in the United States on Friday.
The 19-year-old Aucklander, a late inclusion in the five-strong New Zealand team, finished a creditable fifth courtesy of her second-attempt clearance at 4.70.
She had looked poised with a comfortable 4.50m clearance first up, passing at 4.60m before losing her rhythm on the run-up at 4.70m, pulling up short then stalling out on her first attempt.
However, the world junior record-holder regathered to soar over on her second attempt and clear the slate for three more attempts at 4.80m.
Her first two efforts were unconvincing, but she came close on her third to equalling the personal best she set two weeks ago in Dunedin.
"It is awesome, I'm really, really happy with that but - I have to be honest, I'm not so happy with how I was jumping," said McCartney.
"It was certainly not the best I can do but it was my first senior comp, so I mean it's expected that it wouldn't go exactly to plan. But I mean, coming out with fifth, on a bad day? I'm just stoked with that.
"Podium in Rio would be unreal. I've always been targeting Tokyo, the 2020 Olympics for medalling, that's always been the focus and even a year ago, Rio was not even on the table. The fact that I've qualified and hopefully will be going - obviously I have to be selected first - is just a huge bonus with respect to Tokyo.
I mean, nothing will prepare you more for an Olympic Games than going to one beforehand. So it's certainly going to be really good experience. And I don't feel too much pressure, I've got nothing to lose - I'll be 19," laughed McCartney.
"There's certainly nothing to lose and it's going to be a really good time to just get out there and experience it."
Newshub.
