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Emerging Talent award winner Jacko Gill at the Halberg Awards - Source: Photosport -
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Young New Zealand shotput sensation Jacko Gill aspires to follow in the footsteps of world champion Valerie Adams.
The 17-year old, who won the emerging talent award at last nights Halberg Awards,credits Adams, who last night won the sportswoman of the year for the sixth time, as a source of inspiration.
"I'm really lucky in New Zealand having Val to aspire to and also Tom Walsh who is a really good competitior, its great to have everyone pushing me along," Gill said.
"I really love seeing what Val has does for the New Zealand public, and I really want to try follow in her footsteps the best I can."
The emerging talent award, for individual athletes aged under 21 who are yet to achieve international success at an elite level earned Gill a $15,000 sporting scholarship.
"It's a high calibre of athlete who have won the award before me so I am very happy"
Gill has to apply for special dispensation to compete in the New Zealand national championships next month, but said he preferred to leave the complications to his minders.
"I definetly feel I'm ready to compete but we've had some problems with the age issue. At the end of the day I'm here to throw and I let my parents and my coach deal with that side of stuff.
"I just want to throw at the end of the day, I don't really care what weight it is, or who its against."
Gill - who would be a year 12 student - said he has thought about returning to his studies through correspondence.
"It can be tough to just focus on one thing, but it is my love and I'm enjoying it so I will keep going as far as I can."
