- This article contains some information from the New Zealand Olympic Committee.
Craig Michael Barrett (born November 16, 1971 in Opunake) is a New Zealand athlete specializing in long distance events. He has been the dominant race-walker in New Zealand for many years and is the nation's record holder for the 20km, 30km and 50km disciplines. He attended the Olympic Games in Atlanta (1996), Sydney (2000) and Athens (2004). He won a silver medal in the 50km walk at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester.
Notable records
- NZ record holder
- 20km walk 1:22:20
- 30km walk 2:08:47
- 50km walk 3:48:04
- 50km walk race records
- 1995 IAAF World Championships 22nd
- 1996 Olympic Games 33rd
- 1997 IAAF World Championships 13th
- 1998 Commonwealth Games DNF
- 1999 IAAF World Championships 7th
- 2000 Olympic Games 18th
- 2001 IAAF World Championships DNF
- 2002 Commonwealth Games 2nd
- 2003 IAAF World Championships DSQ
1998 Commonwealth Games collapse
During the 1998 Commonwealth Games, Barrett famously collapsed within one kilometre of the finish line whilst leading the 50km walk. Although this was reported to be the result of dehydration, it was probably due to hyponatremia resulting from excessive perspiration and water intoxication (it is claimed that Barrett was sweating profusely and drinking large amounts of pure water, when he should have been consuming electrolytically balanced sports drinks).
