Inside Athletics

Commonwealth Games champion and Olympic 1500m silver medallist Nick Willis will return to competition in Australia for the first time since the 2006 Commonwealth Games when he races at the Melbourne Track Classic on 4 March.

Willis, who was celebrated in his native New Zealand as continuing the nation's proud miling history when he won gold in the Melbourne Cricket Ground on a night in 2006 remembered by most Australians for Craig Mottram's fall with 700m remaining, is looking forward to continuing the Trans-Tasman rivalry.

"I haven't raced in Australia for nearly four years, so it will be great to come back and try and let the Aussies know that their Trans-Tasman neighbor can still show them a thing or two on the track," said Willis.

"It would be great to run a fast time somewhere in the 3:33 to 3:36 range, but most importantly for me will be to try to win the race.?

The time is certainly not out of question for Willis is in good form, having overcome a year of injuries to recently win the mile at the Boston Indoor Games in 3:55.27 and then setting a New Zealand indoor record of 3:35.80 in Birmingham, UK on the weekend. The 1500m in Melbourne will serve as preparation for a personal best attempt in the 800m, which Willis hopes to double in later in the year at the Commonwealth Games, in March at the International Track Meet in Christchurch.

"I'm gearing up for a fast 800m in New Zealand on March 18th," he said.

"The goal there will be to try and break 1:45, and earn a selection for the Asia-Pacific team at the world continent meet in September,? he said of the quadrennial World Cup meet, which has been restructured this year to combine the previously weak Oceania region with Asia.

"Racing in Melbourne helps bridge the gap between my indoor races in February, and the 800m in Christchurch.

"I also want to come over to return the favor for all the Aussies who came and raced in Christchurch last year.

"It is great to see the middle distance events growing again in our part of the world, and developing healthy rivalries between myself and the likes of Riseley, Mottram, and now young Gregson, which will only be good for the sport.

"I respect all those guys, but there are few people I would hate to lose to more! There is nothing like losing to an Aussie - in any sport!"

However, it is likely that Willis' main competition will not come from Australians, with leading local miler Ryan Gregson choosing to test his speed over 800m in Melbourne against a strong field including David Rudisha and Lachlan Renshaw rather than contest the 1500m. Further, there is speculation within New Zealand's media today that Olympic gold medallist Asbel Kiprop may contest the 1500m, before then traveling to Christchurch.

For Willis, defending his Commonwealth 1500m title and possibly adding the 800m title is his goal in what is a long season for all athletes from Commonwealth nations, but especially for those from the southern hemisphere.

"After these March races, I'll go back to building up my base again and spend three months away from the track.

"?My first race back will probably be in July, and I'll do three to four Diamond League races, the world continent meet and maybe the 5th Avenue Mile (in New York) in preparation for Delhi.

"I will grade my season on how I perform at Delhi, so that will keep me from being tempted to peak for the money races in Europe. Often it is possible to run fast 1500's while building up though, so it will be interesting to see how those Diamond League races go."

Although there is talk of the declining importance of the Commonwealth Games from the days when names such as Herb Elliott, Peter Snell and Kip Keino dominated the world of miling, Willis is firm about the importance the event holds in his heart.

"Defending my Commonwealth Games title is my most important task for my 2010 season.

"I would also like to win the 800m title.

"I expect many will struggle to arrive in Delhi, in October, at the very top of their game. If my coach is able to time my peak correctly, I think these goals, although challenging, are realistic.

"Success in championships is what I will reflect most fondly on when my career is over. There is nothing like the emotions that build up thorugh the rounds and laying everything on the line (both physically and emotionally) in the final.

"Few things in sport can top crossing the line first in a championship, doing a victory lap, and then hearing your national anthem at the medal ceremony. I had that full experience in Melbourne, and I have been desperate ever since to taste that moment again.

"No number of wins on the GP circuit can match that."