News from South London Harriers
July 17th, 2007: English Schools Athletics - Birmingham Alexander Stadium
Posted by Ian Field at 12:02 pmThe club had 4 athletes competing in the ESAA Championships at Birmingham on 13/14 july.
Frederica Foster 800m Junior Girls (London).
Harriet Field 800m Junior Girls (Kent).
LouLou Rowlands 800m Intermediate Girls (Surrey).
Matthew Grant 1500m Intermediate Boys (Surrey).
These Championships are the culmination of District and County Championships and attaining qualifying times to represent the County are an achievement in itself. It is a great experience for the athletes who are subject to the disciplines of a major competition complete with escort to the pens by the start, nos checked and vests tucked in their shorts! Competition is very keen with no easy rides!
Generally heats are on Friday and Finals on Saturday. The 800m saw two rounds morning/afternoon on the Friday- it rained all day !- with Final on Saturday, 3 races in 26 hours that would be a new experience!
Frederica won both her rounds in 2.m15.9s and 2.m16.8s respectively.
Harriet, not at all well on the day, ran 2m 27.5s, below her true form, but she promised -“I’ll be back”
Loulou won her heat in 2m 17.8s but, disappointingly in the 2nd round having lead into the final straight lost out in the last 20m coming 4th, recording 2m 16s
Matthew, who also had a “hiccup” and just missed the Final by a second to record a PB of 4m 05.9s.
Saturday,a fine sunny day, saw amongst the Finals the 800m Junior Girls. The field was covered by only 1.5s from the heats. Competitive! After 30s for first 200m, at 400m Frederica took the lead, and kept it to within 20m of the finish, finally taking the silver medal. She said “It was great race but I would prefer to have won”.
It was a grand experience for all, complete with a parade. All intend to be there next year, with others too hopefully.
Mick Firth
Posted in Track & Field, Young Athletes
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