Peter Walsh is hoping for two kisses from his wife, Karen, today when his son Tom takes centre spot in the shot put throwing circle.
Tom Walsh competing in the qualifying round at the Tokyo Olympics. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
There were bleary eyes around New Zealand after red flags were raised on all three of the 29-year-old's qualifying attempts at the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo on Tuesday night.
Drama ensued, with Tom lodging protests and after some excruciating time passed, two of the three fouls were overturned including a 21.49 effort.
Tom, who won a bronze medal in Rio, has qualified for this afternoon's final in second place. That came as a big relief for Peter who got off his tractor to tell First Up that he and his wife, Karen, were on the edge of their seats at the thought he may have been disqualified.
He said the referee appeared to be assessing the throws from the wrong side of the ring.
"He's got every show in the final" - Peter Walsh, father of NZ shot putter Tom Walsh
"The big thing there was that Tom really kept his composure and if he'd sort of starting ranting and raving, well of course he wasn't going to get anywhere. But he kept his composure and I'm pretty proud of that."
Tom Walsh said the officials had a job to do and it was a great outcome because the red flags had been overturned and were now history.
He said during one of the throws his son hit a ground microphone which shouldn't have been there and the official's view was obscured.
The drama produced a bonus reward from his excited wife.
"For the first time in 10 years she kissed me so I'm hoping we have the same drama and I get two kisses in 10 years."
He said all the Olympic athletes were under huge pressure to perform at their best within a short period of time.
Even those who missed out on medals could be proud if they gave their best, he said.
Asked what made his son able to perform at elite level, he said Tom was a believer in his own abilities just like canoeist Lisa Carrington.
"He's got every show in the final ... it's the good training he's had and the good upbringing and education he's had.
"He played cricket for a long time and that's the greatest game to teach you how to lose..."
Walsh and Jacko Gill have their final just after 2pm today.
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