NZ’s Hobbs qualifies for 100m in first since 1976

Zoe Hobbs turned the primary lady sprinter from New Zealand to qualify for an Olympics Video games within the 100 meters in practically 50 years after setting a private greatest to win her warmth on the Continental Tour Challenger meet in Switzerland.

Hobbs, 25, ran 10.96 seconds within the heats at La Chaux-de-Fonds earlier than profitable the ultimate in 11.13.

The final lady from New Zealand to compete within the 100 meters on the Olympics was Sue Jowett in 1976 in Montreal.

“Once I noticed the time come up I could not imagine it,” Hobbs mentioned. “I did not assume I’d run that point, particularly given the situations … The wind was everywhere in the store with head and tail winds.

“I did not assume I’d run a PB within the warmth in any respect … It was a little bit of a shock once I noticed what the time was.”

Hobbs, who started her European season eventually week’s Diamond League in Lausanne, mentioned she was relieved to have achieved the qualifying time for Paris 2024 earlier than the world championships, which start subsequent month in Budapest.

“It takes an enormous weight off my shoulders and makes a giant distinction main into the remainder of the season,” Hobbs added. “I haven’t got to chase the time now. I can give attention to what I have to within the lead as much as the world champs.”