OnTracktoRio stars shine as GB Juniors make the headlines!
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| Watch out seniors: Dina Asher-Smith stole the show with a time of 23.14 seconds!! Photo: British Athletics |
On a sunny day at the Paula Radcliffe stadium, the Loughborough International that hosts the six teams of England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, GB juniors and BUCS athletes proved to be a thoroughly successful day for many athletes.
The International also hosts guests races in which 3 of our OnTracktoRio athletes were competing in. First of all though in the match race our main female athlete Kirsten McAslan a very impressive second place in the 400m Women's Match race with a time of 53.28 representing Scotland only behind Perri Shakes-Drayton who crossed the line in a new outdoor PB of 50.98 seconds for England. It proved though that only at the age of 19 Kirsten is up there with the best in Britain and it would not be of any surprise to see the Sale Harrier produce big things at the European Juniors.
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| Pushing for the Euros: Kirsten and Roy where they belong with team GB |
Coming to the guest races and it was Andy Robertson and Roy Ejiaku who both claimed wins in their races!
The Sale Harrier athletes showed to conquer what would be known as their weaker distances with Robertson taking three victories in the 100m, 200m and relay. It was his 200m performance that stood out with a massive new PB of 20.76 as he raised his arms to cross the line, Robertson now sits second in the UK rankings behind his training partner Daniel Talbot as he joked after with me, Talbot might now be watching over his shoulder as he contemplates whether to go for the 200m come Moscow time in August!
Ejiaku known for his 200 speed meanwhile won his 100m race in a time of 10.60 seconds flying through the line to put himself in strong hold for the season ahead as he sits 3rd in the U20 rankings and told me of how he can't wait to get going with the 2 next week. As Roy also represented England in an experience he was chuffed to be part of.
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| I spoke to Andy after his sensational 20.76 200m run as he looks to Manchester next week. |
Our only other athlete running at the Loughborough International was Victoria Ohuruogu gaining the great experience of running for team England in the 4by4 relay. Ohuruogu who ran the third leg was very impressive and after her great opening run of 52.62 seconds in America also sits high in the 400m UK women's rankings early on in the season. Victoria sadly could not inspire her team to victory as they finished third in the race with team Scotland running away with the race and only just missing out on the national record thanks to european indoor silver medallist Elidh Child who seemed in top condition as she gave a huge lead from the off and yes you guessed it Kirsten McAslan helped keep that lead strong in the third leg. Giving Scotland ladies great hope for next year with their home Commonwealth Games!
In other news away from our stars, it was again a GB junior in Dina Asher-Smith who at only 17 produced a blistering 23.14 200m performance that took her to fourth on the British all time junior list. Dina is a star we have been trying to secure an interview with for a while and watch this space she is only going to get quicker! Scary i know... I'm sure it will be a dilemma for her come main competition time whether to stay at youth level or senior. In the 800m Jessica Judd continued to build on a terrific start to the season with a 2.00.71 to her disappointment as she tried to push to go sub 2 minutes. Although she reflected on how the competition she was up against, a year ago she would be losing too. It is clear the world silver medallist will definitely be one of GB's main hopes come the European Junior championships.
Finally on the senior level a special mention has to go out too Rhys Williams who stormed to a 48.9 second victory in the Mens 400m Match race a track record and really showed he will be challenging for one of those 3 places come Moscow as Jack Green yet again pulled up in what has been a difficult start for the GB Olympian. Whilst James Ellington won a top class field in the 100m with a time of 10.3 seconds ahead of Danny Talbot in 10.33 then Harry AA with 10.35 as Ellington roared over the line. Nigel Levine took the men's 200m match in 20.86 seconds with the 400m runner expecting a big season ahead.
All in all a great day! Definitely helped by the weather, athletes a plenty and competitiveness starting to grow! All makes for a great season of track.
Saturday is the GreatCityGames with all track coverage via twitter and then a report to follow!
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