14 Apr 2017

Six named in Athletics World Championship team

11:05 am on 14 April 2017

Olympic medalists Tom Walsh and Eliza McCartney headline the first group of New Zealand athletes named for this year's World Championships in London.

Tom Walsh throws in the Men's Shot Put at the Auckland Track Challenge, Douglas Track and Field.Trusts Arena, Auckland, New Zealand, Thursday, February 25, 2016. Copyright photo: David Rowland / www.photosport.nz

Tom Walsh in action Photo: Photosport

The six athletes named include 2016 Rio Olympic bronze medallists Tom Walsh and Eliza McCartney, New Zealand 10,000 record holder Zane Robertson and this summer's sprint star Joseph Millar.

The athletes named in the first group have satisfied the selectors that they have reached the criteria set down in the Athletics New Zealand Selection Policy.

Jacko Gill Auckland Shot Put

Eliza McCartney Auckland Pole Vault

Joseph Millar Waikato BOP 200m

Tom Walsh Canterbury Shot Put

Quentin Rew Wellington 50km Race Walk

Zane Robertson Waikato BOP 10,000m

Further athletes will be added to the team ahead of the final announcement which will be made in late July.

Valerie Adams is yet to confirm her plans for the year.

The championships will be held in the London Olympic Stadium on August 4 to 13.