NZ’s fastest man heads to world champs

Joseph Millar, NZ’s fastest man. Photos: Rosalie Liddle Crawford.

A ground swell of support is building amongst Tauranga people to help Papamoa's and New Zealand's fastest man get ready to take on the world.

Twenty-four-year-old Joseph Millar, fastest man both sides of the Tasman, is busy raising funds towards his first major international athletics competition, the 2017 IAAF World Championships.

Held in London August, the event will see Joseph competing in the 200m against Usain Bolt and he will become the first Kiwi to represent NZ in the sprints in a decade.

'Because the World Champs are during our winter the conditions and races needed to prepare for going fast do not exist currently in NZ,” says Joseph.

'I intend to travel to London one month prior to the event to acclimatize so that I am in the best shape to progress through the rounds and better my New Zealand Records at the World Champs.”

Joseph has the opportunity to train with some of the fastest sprinters in the world, allowing competitive training and practice.

'I did some work with them last year and what I brought home from that experience was priceless.”

Following the World Champs, he will head to Taipei to compete at the World University Games over the 100m and 200m. This will add three weeks to his time overseas but allow him the chance to represent New Zealand again.

The entire trip will be 12 weeks long, and is supported financially by friends, family, local businesses and individuals across NZ. Papamoa Beach Resort have led the way with a $1000 donation, but he's also blown away by all the people who are helping out with $5 and $10 donations. Athletics NZ have also contributed $3000.

'I have a big task ahead of me but with this support I know I can do it,” says Joseph.

In February, Joseph competed in Melbourne against Usain Bolt, coming second in the 150m race by only fractions of a second.

The Givealittle fund for Joseph Millar to go sprint at the World Athletics Championships has now closed, however Joseph can be contacted through his Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Joseph-Millar-141371642710821

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