Tori Peeters finished fifth in the women’s javelin at Alexander Stadium.
Peeters, who is originally from Southland, had a best throw of 57.86m. That was her first throw of the final, which she followed with 57.86m, 52.86m, foul, 54.18, foul, foul.
The event was won by Australian Kelsey-Lee Barber with 84.43s. Barber just held off her teammate Mackenzie Little, who managed 84.27m.
The two Australians were in a class of their own, because the bronze medallist threw 60m, so Peeters was fairly near medal contention.
The 28-year-old New Zealander described the experience as “awesome”.
She said she was not used to the javelin being the focal point of the crowd’s attention as it was at times during the final.
“It was a massive crowd and sometimes all eyes were on the javelin. It was an amazing feeling.”
Peeters said she would remain in Europe to compete in some end-of-season meets. “I’m looking for that big throw that I know is in there somewhere. I’m just waiting for it to come out.”
Veteran New Zealand walker Quentin Rew was disqualified in the men’s 10km walk at about the halfway stage.