Raumati South runner Hamish Carson is bound for the Rio Olympics after posting a succession of impressive times in his specialist 1500m.
Hamish has served a long apprenticeship for this pinnacle event, finishing just outside the qualifying marks for Commonwealth Games and World Championships, but he’s on his way to Rio for the 2016 Olympic Games.
With five New Zealand titles over the prestigious 1500m distance between 2010 and 2016, two national titles over 3000m and one for the half marathon. Hamish has been one of the most dominant New Zealand middle distance track athletes in recent years.
With a personal best of 3:36.25, set in the USA in May this year, Hamish is the ninth fastest all-time New Zealander over 1500m. Although the time was 0.05s outside the IAAF standard and New Zealand A standard. He built up an impressive array of performances, running under the B standard no less than five times, securing his spot for Rio.
An ecologist, Hamish has worked very hard to get to the top of the sport and now his efforts have been rewarded with selection for Rio. He becomes just the 16th male 1500m runner to represent New Zealand in the iconic track event.
Hamish is from Raumati South and competes for the Wellington Scottish Club. He is coached by renowned middle distance coach Arch Jelley, soon to turn 94.
Career Highlights:
NZ World University Games representative 2011
8 x NZ champion 1500m in 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016, 3000m Champion 2011, 2015 Half Marathon Champion 2013
Ranked 41st in world 2016
Ranked 253rd in world 2015
Ranked 133rd in world 2014
Personal Best 3:36.25
2016 Best 3:36.25 (May)
