Under 11s turnout in large numbers and perform well

Recently the under 11 girls and boys WADAC runners braved the elements as they took on the first Hampshire Cross Country match of the season, held in Aldershot. For many this was their first outing in the Wadac vest and gave them valuable experience of running in these competitive races which bring together school years 4, 5 and 6.

With the conditions consisting of patches of sun and rain, the runners were in for a challenge against the elements and their opponents. Despite it taking place at the back end of the school holidays, there were over 23 boys and 5 girls taking part in the races which was the largest team of any club.  

All the WADAC runners gave it 100 % and ran their best race in this course. The first three Home for the under 11 girls were Bella Webley (9th), Naomi Hurford-Potter (10th) and Isabella Hoskins (11th) who all achieved times under 7 minutes 30 seconds. For the under 11 boys were had four in the top ten namely Teodor Sledz (3rd) Hugo Halt (4th), Oliver Furby (5th) and Robyn Ashley (6th) all achieving times under 6 minutes 40 seconds.

Everyone put in good performance and the other results can be found here: https://www.hampshireathletics.org.uk/results/2023/20231028_hlunder11.html 

Overall, it was an incredibly strong team, with an excellent sporting attitude! A great effort to all the runners who participated in this race!

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/

Annie breaks her own club record yet again

Results from Watford last night

The BMC grand prix took place in Watford yesterday and this was also a world athletics challenger event earning valuable world ranking points.

Annie Mann (coach James Mann) showed that avoiding the tactical races at English Schools was a good idea in finishing 9th in the womens 1500m A race in a time of 4 mins 16.77 secs. This is a new pb for Annie, a new club record, cements her place as European U18 no 1 and earns her a whopping 1074 world ranking points.

Helen Hall (coach Nick Anderson) was also in action in the womens 1500m c race finishing 9th in a time just outside her pb that she set earlier in the season.

Records tumble

A top class display of middle distance running was evident at the BMC regional event (the Mick Marlow Memorial) in Bracknell last night as the clubs endurance athletes were in record breaking form.Will Atkins (coach Nick Anderson) went 2nd on the clubs all time (U17M) age group lists with a time of 1.58.57 secs nearly a second and a half quicker than he has run before to come 3rd in the 800m C race. Training partner Seth Noott (coach Nick Anderson) took half a second off his pb to run 2.07.58 secs in the F race at the same distance.Toby Cooke (self coached) broke his own pb to go 2nd on the clubs all time 1500m lists with a time of 3 mins 47.82 secs coming home 7th in the mens 1500m A race. In the womens equivilent, Helen Hall (coach Nick Anderson) was 3rd in a new pb of 4 mns 24.63 secs. This smashed Helen's former mark and is good enough to place her 2nd on the clubs all time lists. Poppy Taylor (Coach Nick Anderson) took a remarkable 4 secs off her pb to break the clubs age group record (U15W) with a time of 4 mins 39.70 secs in coming 3rd in the womens 1500m b race.In the mens a 3000m race, Will Boutwood (coach Nick Anderson) was another athlete in fine form running a pb of 8 mins 29.71 secs.