Page 20 - Summer2018Gazette

20 Athletics Report
Continued

Time, therefore, for another year, but, despite a season’s best, The standard seems to increase
fightback, but points are be- unfortunately, can’t replicate in this event year on year and,
ginning to be hard to come by. those performances this year in a number of previous years,
Ellie Barrett extends her recent and, for the first time, finishes this team would have finished
run of good performances in out of the medals. on the podium. But such is the
the pole vault (being held in the challenge of this competition
indoor warm-up area due to the That leaves the final field event and it shouldn’t be forgotten
inclement weather – oh to have of the day, the long jump. And that we’re up against the best in
that option at Norman Park!), we’ve saved the best ‘til last, Europe. As a result of our great
but even equalling her previous with Funminiyi Olajide, who is YDL performance, we have the
week’s PB wouldn’t improve on another to have had a successful chance to do it all again next
her 5th place, a performance be- summer (during which, as a U17, year. Can we keep the team
ing equalled out on the track by she has leapt over 6m more than together for the entire season
Amy Miller in a tactical 1500m once) and wins by a comfortable and climb back up the rankings
race. With Hannah again facing margin. We have a gold medal in 2019? We’ll certainly do our
strong opposition in the shot, at last! But no time to celebrate best, as always.
we need a strong finish and we yet: her day isn’t over as she’s
need it now. straight back out onto the track, In closing – last but by no
with hardly time to change her means least – on behalf of the
Bekah Walton has been deliver- numbers, to lead home the rest team, our thanks to all those
ing outstanding performances of the 4x100m relay team, now who made the whole trip
all summer and is focussed on consisting of Louise, Anastasia possible: our sponsors; those
ending her season by break- and Megan, in a very respectable who gave donations (you know
ing the elusive 50m barrier in 2nd place. It’s a fairly remark- who you are!); those who raised
the javelin (which she’d just able performance for a scratch funds; those whose advice and
missed out on when breaking squad. support enabled the athletes to
the championship record in the perform; those who helped with
previous week’s YDL Final). Can we go one better in the travel arrangements; those who
Sadly, that will have to wait until 4x400 and finish with a bang? supported the team; and, the
next season, as she again comes The Czechs are always strong members of the management
within touching distance, and and must start as favourites. team. See you all again next
just misses out on the win to the And the Turks are, well, the year, wherever we may be.
defending, Turkish champion. Turks and not to be under-es-
Another silver medal. Next up timated. After great runs from Tim Soutar
and stepping down in distance Megan, Grace Scopes and
to 200m, Megan Walsh has a Yasmin, we’re in contention, but
fine run and, although given the from Louise’s first few strides
same time as the third-placed it’s obvious she’s in trouble: her
athlete from Sparta Den- back has gone into spasm after
mark, she’s adjudged to finish the sprint relay and she bravely
4th. To compensate, another struggles through the pain to
silver medal is soon on its way ensure we get the baton home.
courtesy of Yasmin Austridge, So there’s not to be a fairy-tale
who shatters the Club Junior finish and we find ourselves
and Senior 2000m steeplechase out of the medals in 4th, a
records in the process. And commendable performance
so to the final individual track and close , but, as they say, ‘no
event. Jess Keene has won the cigar’ (and, more importantly,
3000m at these championships no medals).
twice and was runner-up last