Athletics Trio do Region Proud at International

Three North Wales Athletes did their region proud at the recent International Track and Field fixture in Bedford.
Sprinter, long and high jumper Hannah Thomas (St Joseph's) was in great form in the Sprinting events. Hannah opted not to compete in the high jump so that she could put all her efforts into the Track races, a decision that definately paid off. Going into the short sprint with a best of 12.11secs, Hannah flew down the track and gave Irish runner Joan Healey, who had just returned from the World Junior Championships in Poland, a huge scare to claim the silver medal with a fantastic personal best time of 11.98secs and take her to 4th in the UK ranking list. It was the first time that a Welsh Under 17 sprinter had broken the 12secs barrier in over 20-years. Hannah's form in the short sprint got even better when she took to the track in the 200 metres. A best of 25.20secs prior to the race did not really put her in contention for a medal but with the team getting on the podium regularly, she ignored the disadvantage of having the tight inside lane, to clock a great time of 24.34secs and claim a remarkable first place.
In the 300 metres hurdles, 15-year old Megan Rogers (Maelor Penley), in her first year at the event, defied the strong headwind in the back straight in this tough event. Despite favourite Jenny White of England being in very good form, the talented North Walian edged ahead of the opposition as she blasted over the first three flights of hurdles in spectacular fashion. Coming into the home straight a clear five metres ahead, her rivals failed to close the gap and she crossed the line in 44.54secs to secure the gold medal.
The third golden performance from a North Wales competitor came from pole vaulter Christina Hughes (Mold Alun). At the Welsh Schools' Championships two weeks prior in terrible conditions she lost to her teammate Rebecca Davies (Hawarden), but in blustery conditions at Bedford, Christina not only reclaimed the National record with a vault of 3.60meters, but she also secured a third gold for her team and North Wales, rounding off a fantastic afternoon for the Region.