The quartet of contenders were locked in what one on-site moderator called [quote] "a battle of pure technical fury."[endquote] Their telescoping masts, their coax and their antenna analysers were ready for action. Introducing this world-class portable antenna-building competition was Amateur Radio Newsline's own Jim Meachen ZL2BHF, a commentator on the sidelines along with event organiser, Nick ZL2NEB.

There were more than a few tense moments in this Kaikoura park -- and there was no room for cheating: Speed of deployment and low SWR were everything. This event showcased what Jim called [quote] "high-octane engineering athletics." [endquote] It was all up to Malcolm, ZL4MWB, Nick, ZL2NEB, Graeme, ZL1BDS and Stewart, ZL2STR, each taking turns, one by one, to show that their antennas could resonate with the best of them.

Nick, who had jokingly suggested creating the competition, was pleased to see POTA/SOTA activators embrace this chance to rev their engines. Like Formula 1 cars, competitors had to stay on track.

So who won the coveted 40m dipole that had been donated by Greg ZL1GUD from the HamShack? Tune in to find out, sports fans: We're providing the YouTube link to the recorded action in the text version of this newscast at arnewsline.org

Nick, meanwhile, believes that it might be time for these antenna athletes to go for the gold. He told Newsline in an email: [quote] "I think that we really have a good chance of it being included in an upcoming Olympics at some point." [endquote]