Gold Squad Member Hutchens Jumping His Way Back

MEDIA RELEASE 27 MAY 2010

Gold Squad Member Hutchens Jumping His Way Back

Promising teenage long jumper James Hutchens is on the way back after taking a year off to recover from a serious groin injury.

The 18-year-old has a personal best of 7.05m (11/4/09), although he has managed a wind assisted 7.24m jump (4/4/09) which exceeded the current New Zealand 16 and Under record of 7.10m

“I’ve resumed training and I’m working my way back slowly from what has been a frustrating injury and lengthy layoff,” the teenager from Khandallah, Wellington said.

“But, rather than rush back, I thought it would make more sense to make sure I get my body right and the best condition to start jumping again.”

He says he is delighted to have been re-invited as a Gold Level Squad Member of the RIO2016 Olympic Project which is managed by Athletics New Zealand.

“It is good news and I’m pleased to be given that opportunity again while I start working my way back into competition.”

He says he is pleased that his sponsors Asics and the Shoe Clinic have stayed with him despite his injury.

“It isn’t easy attracting sponsorship to athletics in New Zealand so it’s been great having the support of them, and the fact that they have stood by me during my injury period is testament to what great sponsors they are. As my performance improves I hope I will be able to attract the interest and support of other parties to join my team as well”

He also greatly indebted for the support of his coach, Michael Beable, who continues to give up much of his time, knowledge and above all enthusiasm, to help James achieve the high goals he has for the future.

Hutchens won the Long Jump at the North Island National Secondary Schools Athletics Championships and represented New Zealand at the 6th IAAF World Youth Track and Field Championships in Südtirol, Italy in 2009.

ENDS

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