Annie, Alex & Bella selected for Team England
On historic day for club
In what was arguably the greatest day in the club’s history so far, Team England announced on Tuesday that no less than 3 WADAC young athletes (more representation than any other club in the country) have been selected to represent England in the Commonwealth youth games taking place in Trinidad & Tobago in August.
Before recognising the young athletes achievments we should spare a thought for two more athletes who came close to selection from what is an outstanding crop of U18 athletes at the club. Charlie Elford Pond (coach Eric Davison) was unlucky that the games didn't include the hammer and Mia Judd (coach Tony Bateman) had the qualifying standard but just missed out on selection.
Annie Mann (coach James Mann) has been selected for the 1500m. Annie has had a tremedous season to date, breaking her pb on a number of occasions and currently ranks 4th in the commonwealth behind 3 Kenyan women.
Alex Beck (coach Mark Upton) has had the season of this life in the 400m improving his pb seemingly with every race and competing amongst his peers at the top level. Alex currently ranks 6th in the commonwealth and as well as his beloved 400m, Alex will be competing in the 4 x 400m mixed relay.
Arabella Wilson (coach Andy Fisher) has been steadily improving all season after recovering from injury over the winter. Bella ran the qualifying time for the 400mh on the 11th June and repeated that with victory at the U18 race at the national U20 champs a week later. Bella currently ranks 4th in the commonwealth and as well as the 400mh, Bella a versatile multi-eventer has also been selected for the 4 x 100m & 4 x 400m mixed relay teams.
In recognition of their achievments, the BBC came to the Winchester track to interview the young athletes along with Head of Track & Field Andy Fisher and these interviews will be shown on South Today this evening.
Far from starstruck by their achievements, all 3 are humble, hardworking young athletes who the day after being fitted with their Team England kits in Loughborough on Saturday will be turning out for their club at the SAL match in Bournemouth on Sunday and the club is bursting with pride at what they have done.
Details of the announcement of the team can be seen through the link below.
https://www.englandathletics.org/news/team-england-athletes-selected-for-trinidad-and-tobago-2023/