On the weekend of the 30th / 1st July, the English Schools Track and Field Championships took place in Birmingham, at the same stadium used for last year’s Commonwealth Games.
Four of the club’s best junior athletes were invited to represent Surrey at the championships – an achievement in itself when you consider the standard across the county.
Sophie Hawthorn has had an incredible season, lowering her 800m PB from 2:21.91 to 2:14.60. Her win at the Surrey County Schools Championships back in June gained her an invite to the English Schools Championships, where she ran her second ever fastest time (2:15.14) to finish 3rd in her heat of the junior girls 800m. Sophie was seeded in a very strong heat so unfortunately didn’t progress to the final, but her fast time meant she finished 12th in the championships.
Elise Christian took a convincing win in the junior girls javelin, throwing nearly a metre further than the next competitor. Despite the challenging wind conditions, Elise threw an impressive 41.87m. Elise has had a breakthrough season, setting a championship record and Surrey record at the Surrey County Championships where she threw 46.27m.
Elin Roberts showed her strength and consistency by receiving an invite to her third consecutive English Schools Championships. In the intermediate girls 80m hurdles, Elin Roberts ran 11.78s to just miss out on the final. Elin’s time meant she finished 11th in the championships, which equals her performance in the same event at last year’s championships.
Hayden Christian was the club’s only male athlete competing at the championships this year. Hayden has had a strong year, setting a lifetime best of 52.84 in the 400mH and finishing 2nd at the U20 England Championships in June. Competing as one of the youngest in the field, Hayden placed 3rd in his heat at the English Schools Championships which earnt him a place in the final where he finished 8th.
Well done to all of the Guildford and Godalming athletes who competed in the Schools Athletics series this year, whether that be County, Inter-County or English Schools.