Shot put prodigy Ryan Ballantyne will make the move to Christchurch in order to follow in the footsteps of Rio Olympics bronze medallist Tom Walsh.
Last weekend, Ballantyne defended his National Secondary Schools Title, recording the world leading throw this year for under 18s at 21.66 metres with a 5 kg shot put.
Currently based in Te Awamutu, Ballantine is moving to be closer to his coach Dale Stevenson who also coaches Walsh in Christchurch.
"It was a tough decision if I wanted to pursue the sport but obviously blood sweat and tears goes in to it," Ballantyne told Newshub.
"So to make the move with Tom, you've got to learn from the best to do that."
Last weekend's effort was well over a metre further than what Olympic Bronze Medallist Tom Walsh threw as a junior.
And didn't the 17-year-old let Walsh know about it.
"He's definitely reminded me of it that's for sure," Walsh said.
"Look its awesome to have another guy throwing really well in the shot put in New Zealand.
Ballantyne's coach said that by moving to Christchurch, he's giving himself every chance to be a success.
"I think down the line he'll be his own master of how far he throws, as all athletes are," said Stevenson.
"Tom's a pretty good role model of that. Not being constrained by a certain number and just entering into your craft with curiosity and ambition and see where you end up."
If it does all work out, Ballantyne will be aiming for success at the 2018 Junior World Championships first before setting his sights on the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games and Tokyo 2020.
Newshub.
