Tauranga sprinter Joseph Millar is launching a last-ditch Olympic qualifying effort in Europe after receiving private funding to assist his bid.

Gill has been a world record and world title holder through the age group ranks, but reaching the top of the senior men's field is proving difficult.

The Kenyan threat remains for New Zealand runners Nick Willis, Angie Petty, Nikki Hamblin and Zane Robertson as they prepare for the Rio Olympics in August.