Dallas Bowden came from behind in his heat to make the final of the 1500m at the World Youth Championships in Ostrava Czech Republic.

The Nelson 17 year old finished fourth in the third heat in 3m 52.79s, to qualify for the final yesterday after claiming one of the three fastest times outside the first three in each heat. Bowden was in the fastest heat won by David Bustos of Spain in 3m 51.63s.

In the final Bowden finished 11th in 4m 00.36s. Race won by Fredrick Musyoki of Kenya in 3m 44.27s.

Keri Tongalea of Auckland failed to make a mark in the discus throw qualifying rounds.

Former Aucklander James Kaan, representing Australia, finished sixth in the final of the 800m in 1m 51.06s.

Sarah McSweeney of Morrinsville finished 16th in the final of the 2000m steeplechase in 6m 58.95s, 16 seconds outside her New Zealand record.