UK National Age Group Champs U15/U17
Woodford Green with Essex Ladies had no fewer than 12 athletes competing in these championships at the Commonwealth Stadium, Birmingham. To compete in this event standards have to be achieved beforehand which are fairly close to the entry standard needed for the English Schools. All twelve of our athletes should be proud of their achievements over the two days which brought a few showers and a brisk wind at times following behind on the home straight.
In the Under 15 Girls 800m Natasha Wynn was keen to add to her Essex and South Of England titles. In the heats on Saturday Natasha took control of heat 1 to cruise home comfortably in 2 mins 17.22 In the final the next day all eight athletes were together at the bell in 70 seconds. Natasha, again in control, drifted slowly to the front at 600 metres and then unleashed a powerful drive over the last 200 metres to be crowned National champion in 2 mins 15.87 10 metres, ahead of the Newport athlete Lois Codling. That final 200 metres took just 30 seconds.
Caitlin Hancock, the English Schools champion, found herself up against the Welsh champion in the long jump final. It was a great contest in windy conditions. Olivia Schrimshaw just edged it in 5.92 to Caitlin’s 5.69.
The day before, Caitlin took part in the 100 metres. In the heats Caitlin qualified in 12.54 in 3rd place. In the semis Caitlin clocked 12.50 for 4th spot, just missing out on the final.
Essex Schoolsbronze medallist Remi Salako again performed with distinction in the long jump for an excellent 6th place with 5.38 metres. Well done Remi.
Nevaeh Johnson, coached by Gladys Bird, had a busy two days of competition. On the Saturday she placed 3rd in the 100 metres with 12.50. In the semifinal later that day, she just missed out on a place in the final with 12.38 for 3rd, which was a PB. In the 200 metres the following day, Nevaeh was 5th in the heat with 26.43. In the semifinal later that day she placed 8th in 26.83. It was a fine effort from Nevaeh in her first national championships.
In the Under 15 boys Alex Foster also had a busy weekend. In the 100 metres he made the final after a heat time of 11.48 and semifinal of 11.38, both times wind-assisted, before running a PB of 11.49 which was with a legal wind for 8th place. In the 200 metres the next day Alex won his heat in 23.23 before being disqualified in the final, for a lane infringement apparently, and he was so unlucky as he was in the thick of it for a minor medal. Well done Alex!
In the 300 metres Thomas Niewczasinski-Kirkland a fine race in his heat for 2nd a new PB of 36.84. In the final he just missed out on a medal with 4th in 36.97. This was a great result for our lad who was returning after injury.
After being left out of the English Schools, Luka Norden got his first opportunity to compete at a major championships. On the Saturday he qualified for the 1500m final with 6th spot in 4 mins 20 secs. The following day in a tactical race he placed 7th in the final in 4 mins 30 secs.
This season Daniel Arnold has improved beyond all recognition over 3000 metres, and he was rewarded with a first chance to compete at a National level. Daniel ran his own race, controlled, and placed 16th in 10 mins 13 secs. Unlike the others, Daniel has another year in this age group. Well done to him.
In the U17 men’s age a fine performance came from Rushaun Mulliings-Smith in the high jump, placing 4th with 1.87m. In the 400 metres Lucas Emeagi placed 2nd in his heat with 50.67 before placing 5th in the final with 51.15. Like Daniel Arnold, Lucas has another year in his age group, so well done to him.
In the U17 age group Rebecca Wright contested the 80 metre hurdles. In the heat she was 4th in 11.74 to progress to the final where she finished 5th in a very close race in 11.77. In the Shot Putt Rebecca placed 5th with a putt of 12.59 metres. Rebecca does have another season in this age group so a fine achievement. Just behind Rebecca in the 80 metre hurdles heat was Maia Fisher with 11.87 for 5th.
This was a fine showing by our athletes, who were not afraid to take on the best in the country. They should all be very proud of themselves.
Finally, a big Thank You to all the parents who transported the athletes to Birmingham and organised overnight accommodation. Well done to you all, too.