http://www.athleticsblog.northwalesblogs.co.uk/ en-us Copyright 2008 Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:11:10 +0000 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Hot conditions greeted the runners in the Great Wales Run 10km at the weekend. However, many Welsh athletes defied the boiling conditions and managed to record so many personal bests. Welsh Internationals Michael Johnson and Alex Hains will be delighted with their showings on home soil. Johnson broke the 30-minute barrier for the first time in his career, while Hains made his return to the road racing scene and was delighted with his performance after clocking 30:26. Spectators witnessed possibly the fastest ever 10km on a Welsh course with Eshetu Wondimu of Qutar being the first man home in 27:45, while the first woman was Rita Jeptoo of Ethopia, who ran 31:36, a course record by a massive 46 seconds. This was a fantastic run out before she headed out to Bejing for the Olympic Marathon. Teenager Dewi Griffiths ran an superb debut 10k of 31:54 and will be looking to build on this in the coming months with big competitions on the horizon. In the women's race, Shan Morgan broke 37 mins for the first time, yet despite a few encouraging performances, it was a disappointing turnout overall in the women's race. Former World Marathon Record Holder Steve Jones who was running for Cystic Fibrosis was happy to run around the 10km course with current Welsh International James Thie. Commonwealth games athlete Chris Davies, who trains and competes regularly in North Wales was hoping to run close to 29 minutes but unfortunately had to drop out towards the end, while the experienced Catherine Dugdale decided last minute not to run. http://www.athleticsblog.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2008/08/athletes_turn_up_the_heat_in_g.html http://www.athleticsblog.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2008/08/athletes_turn_up_the_heat_in_g.html Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:11:10 +0000 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. http://www.athleticsblog.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2008/07/athletics_trio_do_region_proud.html http://www.athleticsblog.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2008/07/athletics_trio_do_region_proud.html Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:58:58 +0000 The famous BUPA Great Wales Run will take place this year on July 27th, so there is still plenty of time to enter. The 10km race that takes place in Cardiff is a fantastic race for all people, of all abilities to take part. There is a link at the bottom of this article where you can get an entry form, and also a couple of websites to get any training advice you may need. Competing on the day will be many famous runners past and present, and none more successful than former World record holder for the Marathon, Steve Jones. Jones, who is now based in the United States is no longer a competitive runner but is eager as he did 12 months ago, to complete the scenic 10 kilometres race around Cardiff Bay. Last year the 53-year-old ran as a celebrity along with many big names from the world of entertainment and god-daughter Shelley Brace, whose father was also a world class Welsh marathon runner. The marathon legend was one of thousands of leisure entrants who enjoyed the exalted company which also included Enzo Maccarinelli who had recently defended his WBO world cruiserweight title for a third time. The nation's greatest-ever Paralympian Dame Tanni Grey- Thompson, also returned to her home city to support what she described as a brilliant event. "Steve is delighted to be returning from his Colorado home and once again see first hand, the massive developments which have taken place in the Principality and of course many the many landmarks are on the course," said David Hart, communications director for the event. Hart added: "He had a phenomenal record when competing and is still active organising and taking part at training camps in Boulder where he lives." Jones ran his first competitive marathon in Chicago in 1984 breaking the world record of the Australian, Robert de Castella with a time of 2hr 8min 05sec. The following spring he went on to clinch the London Marathon title before returning to Chicago in October of that year where he set his awesome long standing British record. Then showing his versatility he took the bronze medal over 10,000m at the 1986 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh and was the first Welsh athlete to appear on the cover of the prestigious athletics magazine Running Times. Hart said: “Steve also won the New York and Toronto marathons and of course finished second in our flagship event the Great North Run in 1986. “We’re delighted to see him once again giving his support to the Bupa Great Wales Run. I'm sure a great reception awaits him." Over 2,000 entries have been received to date for the second staging of the event, which starts and finishes in the Cardiff Bay area and will have the benefit of a fast and flat course. Entries are available at www.greatrun.org For tips on training, running, exercise and general health information visit www.bupa.com and www.bupa.co.uk/running. http://www.athleticsblog.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2008/06/bupa_great_wales_run_on_the_ho.html http://www.athleticsblog.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2008/06/bupa_great_wales_run_on_the_ho.html Mon, 16 Jun 2008 11:59:11 +0000 Wrexham sprinter Sarah Davies secured a fantastic Gold Medal for Bath University at the recent British University Championships (BUSA champs) in Sheffield. She was part of the 4 by 200m relay squad that took gold in this high-class event. Experienced running coach Les Baldwin trained the former Ysgol Dinas Bran pupil for many years, before she started her degree at Bath, a university that boasts some of the countries top facilities. One of her training partners down at Wrexham Athletics Club, James Mills, is also currently competing for Bath and was too racing in the BUSA champs. He just missed out on the Gold in the 1500m, but will still be greatly satisfied in taking the Silver medal in such a well respected and prestigious annual event. Overall it was great to see two North Wales athletes getting on the podium to receive medals for their university. Elsewhere on the regions athletics scene, Deeside’s Ricky Challinor will be looking to run some fast times this summer. He recently put in a very good performance for Wales over in Dublin on a fast cross country course as well as taking the Gold medal at last weekends North Wales 3000m championships. For all you Road Runners the North Wales 5km Road Race Championships is on the horizon. It will take place in Rhyl on Wednesday 28th May, so if you fancy a run on a warm summers evening then get yourself entered! http://www.athleticsblog.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2008/05/sarah_storms_to_relay_gold.html http://www.athleticsblog.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2008/05/sarah_storms_to_relay_gold.html Thu, 22 May 2008 20:19:17 +0000 It was great to see so many of North Wales’ athletes taking part in last weekends Regional Track and Field Championships and also to see an abundance of fantastic performances by a number of individuals. The day kicked off with a closely contested 3000m race that was eventually won by Deeside’s Ricky Challinor in a very decent time of 9 minutes and 12 seconds. The sprint hurdles events are always well represented every year, and this again was the case. Michael Craig of Bangor secured the gold medal in the 110m hurdles with a splendid time of 17.8s, with Megan Roberts of Wrexham edging the women’s 80m hurdles event in a time of 12.1s. The Senior Men’s 800m race turned out to be a cracker, with some excellent times produced. Bangor’s Fabian Downs smashed the two minute barrier by clocking 1min 57. He just out sprinted Lee Jones of Deeside who was a second behind in 1min 58. The bronze medal went to Wrexham’s Chris Bailey who completed the 2-lap event in 2-01. The final of the Under 13 girls 800m went right down to the wire with all 6 finalists putting in good displays. Eventual winner Georgia Bates of Deeside will be pleased with her time of 2-47. Thirteen athletes took to the track for the Under 11 girls 600m. The talented Nia Jones of Wrexham grabbed the gold, with Maisy Blake of Ynys Mon taking silver. The 100m events churned out some thrilling contests on the day. Bradley Williams (Deeside) narrowly snatched gold in the senior men’s event after powering to a time of 11.2 seconds. 0.4 of a second separated 4 runners in the Under 13 girls 100m. Beth Sargent, also of Deeside won by a whisker ahead of Colwyn Bays Elin Jones. Like I mentioned earlier it was great to see so many of North Wales’ athletes taking part and supporting the regional championships. This excellent turnout just shows what potential and talent we already have here in the North. I have included the full Track results from the day below for you to look through,starting with the 3000m and ending with the 200m finals and 1500m walk. North Wales Regional Championships 2008 T1.11.15 3000 200 VM Sean McCormack Abergele 10.07.4 1stNR 179 SM Angus Mackay Bangor 10.01.2 1st 198 SM Andrew John Bangor 10.57.3 2nd 197 u20 Ricky Challinor Deeside 9.12.2 NR 196 u20 Phil Edge Deeside 9.36.7 2nd 172 U20W Gina Paletta Wrexham 11.28.4 NR 195 U20W Suzy Blandford Bangor 12.49.4 T211.30 110H SM 191 Michael Craig Bangor 17.8 192 Neil Edwards Wrexham 19.2 T3 11.35 100H 98 Dan Burton Deeside 15.7 96 David Hooson Wrexham 16.4 T4 11.40 80H U17W EQUALR 89 Megan Rogers Wrexham 12.1 87 Sian Swanson Maldwyn 14.00 90 Patricia Byrne Deeside 15.6 T5 11.45 75H U15G 132 Rachel Trotter Deeside 13.2 136 Laura Brady Maldwyn 14.2 135 Siony Rudd Maldwyn 14.5 134 Rachel Liscombe Maldwyn 15.7 T611.45 75H U13B 21 AaronD SpeedPhillips Maldwyn 21.1 T7.11.55 70H 3 Rhian Williams Deeside 12.9 11 Manon Edwards Wrexham 13.2 9 Hannah Browning Wrexham 13.5 25 Emily Baldwin Maldwyn 14.8 10 Melys Edwards Wrexham 15.2 T8.12.00 800M U20W/SW 192 Rebecca Nuttall Deeside 2.17.0 NR 800M U17W 93 Jade Ellis David Hughes 2.39.6 T912.05 U15G 800M 177 Sian Messum Deeside 2.29.1 73 Lily Owen Maldwyn 2.41.5 57 Shannon Chiltern Deeside 2.47.3 140 Sophie Sheridan Deeside 2.58.0 T10.12.10 U13G 800M 22 Georgia Bates Deeside 2.47.4 24 Georgia Garner ColwynBay 2.49.9 7 Rosie Unwin Maldwyn 2.51.1 23 Philipa Wright Deeside 2.55.4 20 Emily Rowlands Wrexham 2.58.7 25 Emily Baldwin Maldwyn 3.03.7 T11.12.15 U17M 800M 181 Lewis Myatt ColwynBay 2.08.0 75 Hughen Cranshaw DinasBran 2.25.1 U15B 800M 143 David Blower Wrexham 2.14.9 147 Tom Earley C/BAY 2.27.0 T 12.12.20 VM 800M 200 Sean McCormack Abergele 2.24.6 nr SM 800M 189 Fabian Downs Bangor 1.57.4 39 Lee Jones Deeside 1.58.4 184 Chris Bailey Wrexham 2.01.8 U20M 800M 37 Tom Snowden Deeside 2.15.9 182 Steven McCormack Abergele 2.24.6 35 Dave McCardle Colwyn Bay dsq T13.12.30 1500M U15B 144 Llewelyn Edwards Dinas Bran 4.45.4 178 George Oliver Deeside 5.02.8 T14.12.40 1500M U15G 176 Sarah Livett Menai 5.08.4 84 Carys Edwards Deeside 5.22.9 76 Jenny Lampkin Deeside 5.22.9 1500M U13G 183 Catherine Roberts Deeside 5.27.2 nr 26 Sara Rudd Maldwyn 5.48.9 T15.12.50 1500M U13B 29 Andrew Williams Deeside 5.04.4 nr 77 Rhys LlewelynJames Menai 5.14.8 27 Connor Rogers Dinas Bran 5.25.5 J Lloyd Dinas Bran 5.29.1 15 Nathan Harvey Menai 5.30.1 28 Gethin Morris Dinas Bran 5.53.6 T16.1.00 600M U11BOYS 48 Michael McNee Wrexham 1.53.9 43 Joe Baker Oswestry 2.01.0 44 Timothy Mann ColwynBay 2.06.7 50 Bertie Brock Maldwyn 2.13.5 85 Oliver Wild Maldwyn 2.16.0 49 Sean Perks Maldwyn 2.31.4 51 Harry Revell Maldwyn 2.42.3 T17.1.10 600M U11G 99 Nia Jones Wrexham 1.59.2 61 Maisy Blake YnysMon 2.02.0 60 Fern Davies ColwynBay 2.09.9 65 Chloe Hughes Deeside 2.12.5 184 Georgina Hardy Deeside 2.16.4 131 Georgia Lee Deeside 2.16.4 63 Heather Williams YnysMon 2.18.7 62 Melissa Williams YnysMon 2.19.7 64 Gina Parcesepe Wrexham 2.27.7 72 Olivier Davies Maldwyn 2.29.0 36 Jessica Morris Maldwyn 2.34.2 66 Millie Williams Deeside 2.36.3 69 Molly Gregorious Deeside 2.40.2 T18.1.20 100M U13G Heat1 4 Elin Jones ColwynBay 13.5 5 Adele Nicoll Oswestry 13.8 1 Emma Salmon Deeside 14.0 11 Manon Edwards Wrexham 15.4 6 Louise Orritt Dinas Bran 16.8 100m U13G Heat 2 2 Beth Sargent Deeside 14.5 14 Megan BrookeJones Deeside 15.2 12 Meiner Vaughan Menai 15.4 10 Melys Edwards Wrexham 15.6 T19.1.35 100M FINAL U13B 17 Kieran Cooper Wrexham 13.6 NR 18 Luke Jones C/BAY 14.7 15 Nathan Harvey Menai 15.8 20 William Anderson Dinas Bran 15.8 74 Aaron Phillips Maldwyn 16.0 128 Jake Parry Ynys Mon 17.9 8 Sion Sanderson Ynys Mon 18.1 T20.1.40 100M FINAL U15G 139 Rachel Johncock ColwynBay 12.6 NR 148 Chloe Jones Wrexham 13.3 138 Catrin Thomas Maldwyn 13.8 141 Helen Blower Wrexham 14.7 142 Gemma Rudd Maldwyn 15.2 T21.1.45 100M FINAL U15B 146 Aled V Thomas Menai 14.1 16 Scott Milan Ynys Mon 14.5 145 Joseph DosSantos ColwynBay 15.4 T22.1.50 100M FINAL U17W 88 Alex Elliot Deeside 13.0 83 Rebecca Salmon Deeside 13.1 52 Nia Breeze Wrexham 13.3 85 Sophie Roberts Menai 13.7 129 B Rodngies Ynys Mon 16.0 T23.1.55 100M FINAL U17M 94 Thomas Cusworth Wrexham 11.6 EQ 99 Gareth Bennett Wrexham 12.2 97 Connor Moore Deeside 14.2 T24.2.00 100M FINAL U20W 75 Hannah Pendlebury Deeside 12.7 77 Emma Roberts Menai 13.6 T.25.2.05 100M FINAL U20M 91 Cynan Evans Wrexham 11.3 NR 92 Carwyn Milburn YnysMon 12.6 T.26.2.10 100M Final SM/VM 180 Bradley Williams Deeside 11.2 NR 82 Barry Edwards Menai 12.1 187 Steven Spires Wrexham 12.3 188 Gavin Price Bangor 12.3 189 David James Wrexham 13.5 T27.2.15 100M Final U13G 2 Beth Sargent Deeside 13.5 4 Elin Jones ColwynBay 13.6 1 Emma Salmon Deeside 13.8 5 Adele Nicoll Oswestry 13.9 14 Megan BrookeJones Deeside 15.1 12 Meiner Vaughan Menai 15.3 11 Manon Edwards Wrexham 15.6 T28.2.20 80M U11BOYS Time trial 81 Geraint Breeze Wrexham 12.2 1 44 Timothy Mann ColwynBay 12.6 3 48 Michael McNee Wrexham 12.6 50 Bertie Brock Maldwyn 14.5 51 Harry Revell Maldwyn 14.8 T29.2.30 80M U11BOYS TimeTrial 43 Joe Baker Oswestry 12.5 2 40 Pierce Jones ColwynBay 13.2 42 Jordan Jones Wrexham 13.2 85 Oliver Wild Maldwyn 13.7 49 Sean Perks Maldwyn 13.9 T30.2.35 80M U11Girls TimeTrial 65 Chloe Hughes Deeside 12.1 1 70 Neve Evans Wrexham 12.3 2 76 Georgia Lee Deeside 13.0 69 Molly Gregorious Deeside 13.5 60 Fern Davies ColwynBay 13.5 79 Tia Williams Deeside 13.8 63 Heather Williams YnysMon 13.9 72 Olivier Davies Maldwyn 14.6 T31.2.40 80M U11Girls TimeTrial 61 Maisie Blake YnysMon 12.5 3 81 Beth Jones Wrexham 12.6 68 Bethan Jones Deeside 12.9 67 Charlotte Walters Deeside 13.0 66 Millie Williams Deeside 13.6 62 Melissa Williams YnysMon 14.6 36 Jessica Morris Maldwyn 15.4 T33.2.50 400H FINAL U17M 98 Dan Burton Deeside 65.7 400H Final U20M 58 Tom Tilston Deeside 59.3 400H Final SM 191 Michael Craig Bangor 70.4 T34.3.00 300H FINAL 89 Megan Rogers Wrexham 44.9 T35.3.10 300M U17W 86 Alice Fraser Deeside 45.2 T36.3.15 300M U15B 144 Llewelyn Edwards Dinas Bran 42.9 149 Jack McDonald C/BAY 45.4 147 Tom Earley C/BAY 46.4 300 U13B 27 Connor Rogers DinasBran 53.1 28 Gethin Morris Dinas Bran 60.4 T37.3.10 2000MS/C FINAL 197 Ricky Challinor Deeside u20 6.23.9 189 Fabian Downs Bangor sm 6.57.9 182 Steven McCormack Abergele vm 7.25.4 T38.3.20 1500MS/C FINAL 181 Lewis Myatt ColwynBay u17 5.10.0 T39.3.30 1500M SM/VM 189 Fabian Downs Bangor 4.17.4 184 Chris Bailey Wrexham 4.18.0 179 Angus MacKay Bangor 4.39.8 1500M U20M 196 Phil Edge Deeside 4.25.8 153 Gethin Edwards Menai 4.26.6 35 Dave McCardle ColwynBay 4.36.2 1500M U17M 171 Jamie Wright Deeside 4.17.1 99 T Cizmadia Wrexham 4.33.1 75 Hughen Cranshaw Dinas Bran 5.13.2 T40.3.40 1500M U20W 195 Suzy Blandford Bangor 5.55.2 1500m SW 194 Rebecca Riddings Menai 1500M U17W 172 Abbie Oliver Deeside 5.01.0 NR 58 Collette Holloway Menai 5.38.4 T41.3.45 400M U20W 192 Rebecca Nuttall Deeside 60.0 195 Suzy Blandford Bangor 83.7 T42.3.50 400M U20M 49 Gawain Rogers Wrexham 52.2 54 Callum McCabe Trafford 53.4 37 Tom Snowdon Deeside 57.5 T43.3.55 400M SM 186 Gary WynnJones Deeside 56.0 T43.3.55 400M vm 200 Sean McCormack Abergele 62.9 189 David James Wrexham 62.9 400M U17M 38 Callum Bennett Deeside 54.7 98 Daniel Burton Deeside 57.2 T44.4.00 SM 200M Final 180 Bradley Williams Deeside 22.5 NR 187 Steven Spires Wrexham 25.6 VM 200M Final 189 David James Deeside 28.2 T.45.4.05 200 U20W Final 75 Hannah Pendlebury Deeside 26.2 77 Emma Roberts Menai 28.8 T.46.4.10 200m U20M Final 91 Cynan Evans Wrexham 22.8 57 Tom Tilston Deeside 24.4 92 Carwyn Milburn YnysMon 26.8 T.47.4.15 200M U17W Final 84 Hannah Thomas Wrexham 25.7 NR 83 Rebecca Salmon Deeside 27.5 81 Nia Breeze Wrexham 28.5 85 Sophie Roberts Menai 29.2 82 Sian Jones Deeside 30.1 T.48.4.20 200M U17M Final 94 Thomas Cusworth Wrexham 23.1 NR 99 Gareth Bennett Wrexham 25.0 96 David Hooson Wrexham 26.0 T.49.4.25 200 U15G Final 139 Rachel Johncock ColwynBay 25.3 NR 148 Chloe Jones Wrexham 26.9 138 Catrin Thomas Maldwyn 27.2 137 Katy Griffiths Deeside 29.5 141 Helen Blower Wrexham 30.8 140 Sophie Sheridan Deeside 33.6 200M U15B Final 144 Llewelyn Edwards Dinas Bran 26.4 143 David Blower Wrexham 27.2 146 AledV Thomas ColwynBay 29.4 16 S Mulan Ynys Mon 30.3 18 30.5 145 Joseph DosSantos ColwynBay 32.1 T50.4.30 200M U13G Final 4 Elin Jones ColwynBay 28.0 1 Emma Salmon Deeside 28.7 2 Beth Sargent Deeside 29.7 7 Rosie Unwin Maldwyn 32.3 6 Louise Orritt Dinas Bran 36.1 T51.4.35 200M U13B Final 19 Joshua Lloyd Dinas Bran 31.3 15 Nathan Harvey Menai 32.8 T52.4.40 1500WALK VM/SM/SW 198 Andrew John Bangor 8.26.6 179 Angus MacKay Bangor 8.27.5 188 Gavin Price Bangor 8.49.6 132 8.57.2 http://www.athleticsblog.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2008/05/excellent_turnout_at_north_wal.html http://www.athleticsblog.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2008/05/excellent_turnout_at_north_wal.html Tue, 20 May 2008 23:16:44 +0000 Welsh wheelchair racer Daniel Lucker stormed home to victory in the London Mini Wheelchair Marathon on Sunday – to the applause of racing greats Tanni Grey Thompson and Chris Hallum. Now, the 15-year-old – who is mentored by Hallam – is aiming to build on his success and to echo his heroes: “I’ve been given great advice by both Chris and Tanni and hope to one day be as successful. This is definitely my biggest achievement on the road to date.� Lucker completed the three-mile route in an excellent 13min 10. Despite his young age, he demonstrated first-class tactical skills, out-manoeuvring arch-rival and race favourite Mickey Bushell – a GB international who is almost three years older than Lucker. The teenager, who hopes to compete in London 2012, today looked back on his triumph: “I was feeling slightly nervous but quietly confident after all the work I had put in. Chris was great and really kept me calm and motivated. Then, the adrenalin set in once I was in my racing chair and out on the road warming up. “I started down the opposite end of the line to Mickey but could see him out of the corner of my eye. When the start gun went Mickey went off quite slow – he was probably expecting me to take off. I didn’t want to do this because he would easily have got into my draft which would make it easier on him,� he adds. “It turned into a tactical race with both me and Mickey still together until around the two mile mark. I was pushing well, over 20mph at times. It was on a really steep uphill when the speeds dropped dramatically to three mph that I could see Mickey dropping off. I took the opportunity and made the break!� Lucker is now in training for the Junior World Championships in New Jersey in July. He is supported by the Disability Sport Wales Academy which nurtures and cultivates young talent. http://www.athleticsblog.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2008/04/luker_storms_to_minimarathon_v.html http://www.athleticsblog.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2008/04/luker_storms_to_minimarathon_v.html Fri, 18 Apr 2008 22:15:13 +0000 Welsh Athletics today kicked off its head-hunting mission to find the next big talents in the Sport. The governing body for athletics in Wales is aiming to seek out the javelin, discus, hammer and shot stars of tomorrow and today invited pupils from secondary schools in Wales to a throwing master class. Led by former Olympic javelin star Nigel Bevan, the High Performance Coach at the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff (UWIC), schoolchildren were treated to coaching tips at the National Indoor Athletic Centre. Bevan – who competed at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games - explains, “We want to develop a Welsh development throws squad and we need to seek out the best athletes we can get hold of. We’ve seen a few here today and we’ve put the X Factor against their name! We will be encouraging them to come along to weekly training.� He added, “The main aim is to discover a new era of Welsh throwers but, who knows, we might even turn up a future Olympian or World Champion.� Wales’ most promising hotshots - including discus thrower Brett Morse and javelin talent Lianne Clarke – were on hand to inspire and coach the apprentices: “The throwing disciplines are in really good hands at Welsh Athletics. We’ve got some excellent coaches on board and we have a number of athletes who are excelling and who are also willing to chip in to nurture new talent,� explains Morse. “I’ve definitely seen a few people here today who have shown talent.� Welsh Athletics Chief Executive Matt Newman is eager to discover the outcomes of the school search. “We’re committed to discovering the next generation of talent and I’m looking forward to seeing the results of this coaching session. If it is a success, we will be keen to roll it out to the rest of Wales.� This would be a major boost for North Wales Athletics, who also boast top class facilities, including the state of the art Indoor Arena in Deeside which would be an ideal setting for such events. http://www.athleticsblog.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2008/04/welsh_athletics_hunts_down_new.html http://www.athleticsblog.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2008/04/welsh_athletics_hunts_down_new.html Thu, 17 Apr 2008 11:48:50 +0000 For all you budding Road Runners...I have put together a fixture list of some of the big Races around Wales coming up for anyone that might fancy having a go. Most races will consist of athletes of all ages and abilities so there is no excuses for not having a go at some! If you look through the list below you will see many cracking races planned in the beautiful and scenic town of Caernarfon, North Wales. Let me tell you first hand that it is a spectacular part of the country to race. In the coming weeks I will let you know of all the main Road Races just in the North Wales Area so keep your eyes peeled. APRIL Sun 13th Welsh Marathon Championships London May FRI 16th Self-Transcendence 2 mile race Bute Park, Cardiff Roger Chamberlain 02920 232346 Sat 10th Sirhowey Challenge Ynysddu Hotel, X-Keys Michael Heare 01495 245430 Sun 18th Ultra 100k (Welsh Champs) Cardiff June FRI 6th Self-Transcendence 3 mile race Bute Park, Cardiff Roger Chamberlain 02920 232346 Sat 14th Welsh Castles Relay Caernarfon Alan Thomas 01633 771650 Sun 15th Welsh Castles Relay Caernarfon Alan Thomas 01633 771650 Fri 20th Hare & Tortoise Race (Ladies Only) Travellers Rest, Oakdale Michael Heare 01495 245430 Sun 29th Aberdare Park 5 Mile Road Race & Fun Run Aberdare Ann Crimmings 01685 876456 July Fri 11th Self-Transcendence 4 Mile race Bute Park, Cardiff Roger Chamberlain 02920 232346 Wed 21st Scenic 7 Cwmcarn Forest Drive XKeys Michael Heare 01495 245430 25th Self-Transcendence 3 x 1 Mile race & Junior Relay Bute Park, Cardiff Roger Chamberlain 02920 232346 August Sun 3rd Brecon 10 Mile Road Race Penlan, Brecon Martin Gregory 01874 611731 Fri 8th Murder Mile Church Inn, Newbridge Michael Heare 01495 245430 Sun 31st 10k (Welsh Championships) Caernarfon September Sun 7th Cardiff 10k Cardiff Original date 14th Sept Sun 21st Masters Marathon (Welsh Ch) Anglesey http://www.athleticsblog.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2008/04/for_all_you_budding_road_runne.html http://www.athleticsblog.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2008/04/for_all_you_budding_road_runne.html Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:59:12 +0000 The North Wales Athletes who ran so well down in Swansea at the Welsh Cross Country Championships last month, have been rewarded for their efforts by being selected in the Welsh squad for the forthcoming International fixtures in Dublin and Perth. Ricky Challinor of Deeside College and Phil Edge of Prestatyn will be delighted to pull on the Welsh vest when they compete in the Under 20 race out in Ireland. Gina Palletta of Yale College Wrexham and Becky Davies of Mold make up the Women's team. The Schools International takes place in the beautiful setting of Perthshire in Scotland. It is encouraging to see three athletes from North Wales selected in the Middle Boys age group. Charlie Hulson and James Wright, as well as Louis Ford of Denbigh will take on a strong Scottish side on the picturesque course at Strathallan School. Abi Oliver of Connahs Quay will be carrying the torch in the Middle girl’s race, being the only North Wales athlete selected for this prestigious event. I suppose the only disappointment from a North Wales perspective is that after some encouraging performances recently on the Country there were no Junior Boys or Junior Girls selected for the trip up to Scotland. We wish our athletes all the best while representing their country, and I'm sure they will all do the region proud! Meanwhile, schoolchildren from across Wales will be aiming to follow in the footsteps of Athens Olympians Kelly Sotherton and Mark Lewis Francis in the near future. The cream of athletics talent from Welsh schools will be put to the test as they take to the track for the Norwich Union Sports hall Wales Final. It is the breeding ground for tomorrow’s champions and many of today’s household names – including Lewis Francis and Sotherton - have been national champions of Sports hall athletics. Not only will the rising talents by vying for podium places, they will also be bidding for a spot at the UK final which will be staged in Birmingham’s NEC arena on Saturday 12th April. Contested by teams representing the eight school districts across the nation, the victorious contingents in the Under 13 and Under 15 age groups will then travel to Birmingham for a showdown against Scotland, Ulster and England. Welsh Athletics Development Manager Chris Moss explains, “The Welsh Sports hall Athletics Final is a culmination of events that have taken place across Wales. Thousands of children have taken part in these regional events and Sunday’s National Final will see the best of Welsh talent compete for top honours. “The Sports hall Athletics programme, which takes place through the winter months, is a chance for those who would usually hang up their spikes for the winter to get back into a competitive athletic environment before the athletics season begins. The whole initiative is a great way for young athletes to develop their skills and enjoy athletics in a fun, safe environment. Simply by looking at past results, you can see the calibre of the athletes that have taken part in Sports hall Athletics– some have gone on to represent Great Britain at World Championships and Olympic Games. It would be fantastic to see some of North Wales's up and coming youngsters make it through the stages in this high profile event that has been graced in the past by athletes that have gone onto become World Class and represent GB at the highest level. http://www.athleticsblog.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2008/03/athletes_rewarded_with_welsh_c.html http://www.athleticsblog.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2008/03/athletes_rewarded_with_welsh_c.html Fri, 14 Mar 2008 19:14:39 +0000 Wrexham Athletics Club duo Tom Cusworth and Hannah Thomas were given the ultimate accolade this past weekend when they were selected to captain Wales at the Under 16 Celtic Games in Cardiff against Ireland and Scotland. Both Athletes put in great performances on the day to help Wales secure second spot overall. Hannah will be delighted with her showing in the High Jump after securing first place with a superb leap of 1.64 metres. Hannah went on to win a silver medal in the Long Jump with a huge jump of 5.26m, and Bronze in the 60m sprint. She ran a time of 7.9 seconds which was just 0.2 seconds behind winner Joan Healy of Ireland. Tom had an equally successful day, picking up silver medals in the Long Jump and 200m, as well as contributing to the relay team that also managed second place. He achieved 6.22 metres in the Long Jump and ran a time of 23:50 seconds in the 200m. Other Wrexham athletes involved at the Indoor Cardiff Arena also put in good displays, with Chloe Jones coming 2nd in the B 200m, and finishing 2nd in the relay team, along with Megan Rogers, who also came 2nd in the A 200m, and 3rd in the 60m Hurdles. This past week there was another outstanding performance from a Wrexham Athlete. James Mills who currently trains at The University of Bath ran a Personal Best time of 3:49 in the 1500m at Birmingham’s National Indoor Arena. Having trained with James down at the Queensway Stadium in Wrexham, I know he will be delighted with this and these types of performances will give him confidence going into the outdoor season that starts in the next six or seven weeks. James started as an 800m runner being coached by the experienced Les Baldwin MBE. After some encouraging cross country races, Mills decided to move up to 1500m, an event which again he has impressed in. It has been a very good month for young athletes around North Wales. The well represented North Wales Cross Country in Buckley was backed up with some excellent performances in the Welsh Cross Country Championships down in Swansea. Those results coupled with these latest Indoor results round off an excellent few weeks for the Region. I hope this rich vein of form will stay with our Athletes as they start their preparations for the forthcoming outdoor Track and Field season. http://www.athleticsblog.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2008/03/wrexham_athletes_proud_to_capt.html http://www.athleticsblog.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2008/03/wrexham_athletes_proud_to_capt.html Mon, 03 Mar 2008 21:45:17 +0000 It was really encouraging for North Wales Sport to see some of the regions rising stars perform so well at the weekends Welsh Cross Country Championships down in Swansea. Ricky Challinor of Deeside had a superb race in the Under 20 Men’s Competition, picking up a Silver medal in a time of 24:58 over the 6585m course. He was followed by Colwyn Bay’s Harry Jones who was rewarded with a Bronze medal for a gutsy performance. It will be very interesting to see what these two talented distance runners do in the next few years, but hopefully these sorts of performances will give them the confidence they need to compete well in the high profile National and International races. Teammates Michael Pierce and Gethin Edwards battled it out all the way to occupy 12th and 13th position of this high standard race. There were also some great results for North Wales in the Under 13 Men’s event. Tom Earley had a superb run to secure a Silver medal for Colwyn Bay in a time of 10:44. He was just pipped to the post by Matthew Antoniazzi of Cwmbran. Although having a great race, I’m sure David Blower will be slightly disappointed after missing out on a medal by just one second. He finished 4th in a time of 10:48. In the Under 17 Men’s event, despite a brave effort, Phil Edge (Deeside) just missed out on a medal after completing the 5720m race in a time of 22:27, which left him in 5th. Menai’s Steve Pierce (8th),Huw Jones (10th) and Andrew Woodcock (14th) were not far behind. Wrexham’s Gina Paletta will be very pleased with her 4th placed finish in the Under 20 Women’s race as she usually competes over Multi Terrain, where she is a Welsh International. Bethan Till (Menai) finished 11th in the Under 17 Women’s race, with club mate Victoria Taylor coming home in 15th. In the Under 15 Girl’s competition, Sarah Livett and Lisa Peters, both of Menai Athletics Club ran well to finish 10th and 11th respectively on the tough Swansea course. Overall it was a successful day for the North Wales runners who made the journey down to Singleton Park, with Challinor’s and Earley’s Silver medal’s standing out as great performances. http://www.athleticsblog.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2008/02/north_wales_athletes_shine_at.html http://www.athleticsblog.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2008/02/north_wales_athletes_shine_at.html Mon, 25 Feb 2008 20:34:40 +0000 North Wales athletes got the chance to compete against the big names of Welsh Athletics at the annual Indoor Welsh Senior Championships…but it was only a handful of athletes from North Wales who made the trip. There were some very good results for the region, but it was disappointing that more of North Wales’ finest did not make the journey down to Cardiff to represent the area. North Wales has a superb reputation for Athletics, and with some excellent clubs and facilities there should be more of our athletes taking part in major Championships such as this one. Over the next few weeks I would like to examine why this is and would be very interested to here your views on this matter. With all the Welsh Team selectors present, this event could be the springboard many athletes need into achieving International Representation. Bradley Williams of Deeside really made a name for himself by picking up a silver medal in the Senior Men's 60m. After cruising through his heat, he ran a superb time of 6.99s in the final, only to miss out on being crowned Welsh Champion by 0.02 of a second. That honour went to Ben Simons of UWIC in a time of 6.97. In the 1500m, Wrexham's James Mills will be pleased with his performance in the 1500m. He just missed out on a medal after finishing 4th, in 4 minutes and 4 seconds. This very close race was won by the experienced Chris Moss (Cardiff) in 4 minutes and 2 seconds. Gary Wyn-Jones of Deeside didn't quite make the final of the 400m after coming home in 3rd place in his heat. Moving onto the Field events, Daniel Hodgson of Wrexham claimed a respectable 9th in the Pole Vault. Wrexham’s Hannah Thomas cleared 1.60m in the Senior Women’s High Jump to claim Silver, in a competition that was won by Lucy Hodgins (Vale Aylesbury) in 1.65m. This is great news for Wrexham Athletics Club, who themselves have a good tradition of producing quality High Jumpers. Deesides’s top Pole Vaulters, Christina Hughes and Rebecca Davies battled it out for a medal. Unfortunately at the conclusion of the event, having both cleared 3.30m, they both were lying outside of medal positions. Hughes finished in 4th, with Davies in 7th. Overall, it was a decent effort from the North Wales Athletes who made the journey down to the impressive Indoor Arena in Cardiff, with some eye-catching performances on the day, but as I have already stated, we need more of our athletes to compete in these events to keep North Wales’ Athletics at a high standard. http://www.athleticsblog.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2008/02/good_performances_but_poor_tur.html http://www.athleticsblog.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2008/02/good_performances_but_poor_tur.html Tue, 05 Feb 2008 21:45:16 +0000 With the Welsh Senior Championships coming up (26 January 2008), Welsh Athletics today announced the appointment of the top coaches who have been busy developing the nation’s up and coming talent. Sweden’s former National Hurdles Coach - Bengt-Erik Blomkvist –- is just one of three recent coaching recruitments that will benefit Athletes from all over Wales. This will be a huge boost for North Wales Athletics with the coaches set to rotate around the regions of Wales so that every area gets the benefit. It will be Blomkvist's job to produce the next generation of household names, and he certainly has a wealth of experience to bring to North Wales. From 1996 to 2004, he served as the Swedish Team Coach at all junior and senior European and World Championships as well as the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. Blonmkvist has already stated his delight of being to help nurture Wales' top talent, “I am very impressed by the facilities in Wales and the possibilities they present. The future plans for athletics here in Wales are very exciting and I’m glad to be a part of it. Chief Executive of Welsh Athletics, Matt Newman, explains: “This is yet another sign of how Welsh Athletics is moving forward. Bengt is an excellent addition to the performance team in Wales. He brings some excellent technical skills and an engaging personality which will help spread his expert knowledge across Wales. I’m delighted that we’ve been able to attract such a high-calibre coach.� The Swedish coach is not the only new arrival at the National Indoor Athletics Centre in UWIC. Darrell Maynard is also joining the team as a part-time Development Performance Coach. The former physical training officer for the British Army and Police is the man behind the success of David Greene who was triumphant in the European U23s Championships this summer. He also works with Richard Hill and a number of disability athletes including Tracy Hinton and John McFall who are both tipped for success at the Beijing Paralympics. His efforts were recognised by the Sports Council for Wales in its 2006 Coach of the Year Awards. Maynard is a five-time Welsh indoor champion over 400m and 800m. This will be great news for North Wales runners who compete over these distances, who will hopefully be able to take advantage of Maynard's experience. Wrexham's James Mills, who recently won the Wrexham Road Racing Championship is an International runner over 800m. Also, a former Welsh javelin international is returning to Wales to take up the position of UWIC Performance Coach. Nigel Bevan – who hails from Ammanford - competed at three Commonwealth Games and at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona. He is the current Welsh record holder with 81.70m. Newman summarises with, “Wales has punched above its weight in athletics in recent years. These appointments will help us to realise our full potential and move us closer to a fully operational high-performance centre in Wales" I'm sure the superb Indoor Arena in Deeside will be a venue these coaches will be gracing in the near future. http://www.athleticsblog.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2008/01/welsh_athletics_appoint_top_co.html http://www.athleticsblog.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2008/01/welsh_athletics_appoint_top_co.html Thu, 24 Jan 2008 13:54:03 +0000 The first major athletics meeting of the year took place at the weekend. The impressive Indoor Arena in Deeside was the venue for the 2008 North Wales Indoor Championships, with many athletes looking to put down an early season marker to stand them in good stead for the rest of the year. The Under 17 mens 60m final was extremely close with Jack Gronow of Colwyn Bay just edging out Wrexham's Tom Cusworth in 7.3s. Carwyn Owen picked up the Gold in the Under 20 mens 60m with a good time of 7.4s. Hannah Pendlebury (Deeside) was in fine form to win the Under 20 womens 60m by clocking a time of 8.1s. Hannah Thomas of Wrexham put in a splendid peformance in the Under 17 race by dipping under the 8s barrier, to win in 7.9s. Moving onto the hurdles events, Abi Williams of home club Deeside narrowly beat Wrexham's Lydia David in the final of the U15 60m hurdles with an excellent time of 10.4s. The long Jump was a very popular event this year with Alex Elliott (Deeside), Thomas Cusworth (Wrexham), Gavin Price (Bangor Uni) and Jack McDonald all picking up winners medals. Beth Sargent of Deeside won the Under 13 competition with a huge leap of 4.14m. Adam Williams of Menai dominated the Under 20 mens Triple Jump by recording a jump of 13.28m. Experienced Welsh International Athlete Ben Roberts, who now competes for Birchfield won the Senior Mens Shot competition with a throw of 15.07m, while Louise Watkins of Maldwyn took the honours in the Senior Ladies Shot with a distance of 11.29. Wrexham Athletics Club has had a strong tradition of High Jumpers over the years, with former member Becky Jones competing for Wales in the Manchester Commonwealth Games. Hannah Thomas (Wrexham) will be hoping to follow in Becky's footsteps after she won the Under 17 Womens High Jump by clearing a height of 1.63m. Full results of the North Wales Indoor Championships can be viewed below. NORTH WALES CHAMPS Jan 2008 SHOT SM 29 Ben Roberts Birchfield 15.07 NR SHOT VM 24 Dave Edwards Wrexham 8.06 NR 23 David James Wrexham 6.26 SHOT SW 44 Louise Watkins Maldwyn 11.29 43 Faye Calvert Deeside 10.84 53 Amanda Wale Wrexham 9.17 55 Beverley Jones Bath/Deeside 9.02 SHOT U20W 52 Stephanie Owens WestCheshire 9.48 SHOT U17W 9 Rebecca Chin Deeside 8.52 10 Jenna Sherrat Wrexham 8.16 SHOT U15B 13 Kieran Hughes Deeside 6.51 SHOT U15G 18 Lydia David Wrexham 8.4 27 Hayley Nuttall Deeside 8.0 17 Rachel Trotter Deeside 7.44 20 Laura Brady Maldwyn 6.12 28 Megan Varley Maldwyn 6.06 SHOT U13B 1 Sam Bristow Deeside 4.71 16 Shaun Livett Menai 4.63 HIGH JUMP U20M 29 John Edwards Deeside 1.85 30 Daniel Evans Deeside 1.80 HIGH JUMP U17M 7 Daniel Hodgson Wrexham 1.50 2 Mark Poglettke Deeside 1.50 HIGH JUMP U17W 1 Hannah Thomas Wrexham 1.63 6 Sian Swanson Maldwyn 1.60 3 Alex Elliott Deeside 1.50 5 Megan Rogers Wrexham 1.50 HIGH JUMP U15G 18 Lydia David Wrexham 1.40 17 Rachel Trotter Deeside 1.35 20 Laura Brady Maldwyn 1.15 HIGH JUMP U13G 36 Hannah Browning Wrexham 1.20 32 Rhian Williams Deeside 1.15 TRIPLE JUMP U20M 27 Adam Williams Menai 13.28 21 Gawain Rogers Wrexham 11.90 Matthew Rollings Stoke 13.04 Guest Peter Hewitt Stoke 12.47 Guest Benjamin Williams Stoke 13.57 Guest TRIPLE JUMP U20W Amy Campagne Deeside 10.09 TRIPLE JUMP SW Anna Kelly Stoke 11.65 Guest TRIPLE JUMP U17M 1 Thomas Cusworth Wrexham 12.13 4 Jack Gronow ColwynBay 11.92 POLE VAULT U17M 7 Daniel Hodgson Wrexham 3.20 POLE VAULT U17W 11 Rebecca Davies Deeside 3.00 POLE VAULT U15G 26 Lucy Roulston 2.60 LONG JUMP U13B 15 Kieran Cooper Wrexham 4.50 14 Timothy Tipping Wrexham 3.21 LONG JUMP U13G 34 Beth Sargent Deeside 4.14 36 Hannah Browning Wrexham 3.74 35 Laura Bentley Wrexham 3.42 41 Vicky James Wrexham 3.15 LONG JUMP U15B 12 Jack McDonald Colwyn Bay 5.01 10 Simon Bentley Wrexham 4.57 LONG JUMP U15G 9 Rachel Trotter Deeside 4.30 13 Lucy Davies Wrexham 4.07 21 Catrin Thomas Maldwyn 3.75 LONG JUMP U20W 44 Amy Campagne Deeside 4.93 NR 54 Emma Garstang Deeside 4.86 LONG JUMP U20M 20 James Gardner Stoke 6.30 NR Guest LONG JUMP SM 19 Gavin Price Bangor Uni 4.97 LONG JUMP U17M 1 Thomas Cusworth Wrexham 6.13 NR 2 Mark Poglette Deeside 5.09 5 David Johnson Maldwyn 4.95 LONG JUMP U17W 3 Alex Elliott Deeside 5.24 5 Megan Rogers Wrexham 5.20 1 Hannah Thomas Wrexham 5.12 TRACK RESULTS NORTH WALES INDOOR CHAMPS 2008 5.1.08 NWIAC 60h heat 1 Abi Williams Deeside 10.5 U15G 2 Lydia David Wrexham 10.5 60h heat 1 Katie Gardner Stoke 9.9 Guest U15G 2 Racel Trotter Deeside 10.9 3 Lucy Davies 11.7 4 Laura Brady Maldwyn 12.4 1 Gawain Rogers Wrexham 9.6 NR 60hfinal U20M 1 Osian Jones Menai 9.7 60hfinal 2 Daniel Burton Deeside 9.9 U17M 60hfinal U17W 1 Megan Rogers Wrexham 9.2 NR 2 Alex Elliott Deeside 9.5 3 Sian Swanson Maldwyn 9.9 60hfinal U13G 1 Rhian Williams Deeside 11.6 60mheat1 1 Elin Jones ColwynBay 8.7 U13G 2 Emma Salmon Deeside 8.8 3 Shauna Roberts WREXHAM 10.3 60mheat1 1 Beth Sargent Deeside 8.8 U13G 2 Rhian Williams Deeside 9.5 3 Laura Bentley Wrexham 10.5 1 Chloe Jones Wrexham 8.3 60mheat1 2 Lucy Davies Wrexham 9.0 U15G 3 Amy Crocombe Deeside 9.1 4 Megan Varley Maldwyn 9.9 1 Katie Gardner Stoke 8.3 Guest 60mheat 2 2 Catrin Thomas Maldwyn 8.5 U15G 3 Abi Williams Deeside 8.8 4.0 Katie Griffiths Deeside 9.0 60mheat1 1 Jack Gronow ColwynBay 7.3 NR U17M 2 Tom Cusworth Wrexham 7.3 3 Andy Howells Deeside 7.7 4 Ben Bolton Menai 7.7 60mheat2 1 David Johnson Maldwyn 7.8 u17m 2 Daniel Burton Deeside 8.1 1 Katie Gardner Stoke 10.0 Guest 60m hurdle 2 Abi Williams Deeside 10.4 final U15G 3 Lydia David Wrexham 10.6 4 Rachel Trotter Deeside 10.9 1 Neve Evans Wrexham 9.8 60M 2 Vicky James Wrexham 10.3 U11G 3 Tia Williams Deeside 10.5 1 Harrison Tipping Wrexham 10.9 60 M U13G 1 Elin Jones ColwynBay 8.5 NR 2 Beth Sargent Deeside 8.5 3 Emma Salmon Deeside 8.7 4 Rhian Williams Deeside 9.2 60M U13B 1 Kieran Cooper Wrexham 8.5 NR 2 Timothy Tipping Wrexham 10.3 60M U15B 1 Jack McDonald ColwynBay 8.7 2 Simon Bentley Wrexham 9.3 60M U15G 1 Chloe Jones Wrexham 8.1 NR Katie Gardner Stoke 8.3 GUEST 2 Catrin Thomas Maldwyn 8.5 3 Abi Williams Deeside 8.7 60M U17W 1 Hannah Thomas Wrexham 7.9 NR 2 Alex Elliott Deeside 8.0 3 Megan Rogers Wrexham 8.3 4 Sophie Roberts Menai 8.5 5 Rebecca Salmon Deeside 8.6 U17M 1 Jack Gronow ColwynBay 7.3 NR 60M 2 Tom Cusworth Wrexham 7.3 3 Andy Holwells Deeside 7.6 4 David Johnson Maldwyn 7.7 5 Mark Poglettke Deeside 7.9 U20W 1 Hannah Pendlebury Deeside 8.1 NR 60M 2 Emma Roberts Menai 8.6 U20M James Gardner Stoke 7.2 Guest 60M 1 Carwyn Owen Deeside 7.4 2 Gawain Rogers Wrexham 7.5 SM 1 Gavin Price Bangor 7.8 60M 2 David James Wrexham 8.8 http://www.athleticsblog.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2008/01/north_wales_athletes_start_new.html http://www.athleticsblog.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2008/01/north_wales_athletes_start_new.html Thu, 10 Jan 2008 11:58:32 +0000 Two of North Wales finest young Athletes have been rewarded for their excellent perfomances over the last couple of years by being recruited to the 'Welsh Talent Development Academy'. Christina Hughes, from Mold is a Pole Valult and Hurdles specialist, while Rachel Johncock, also based in Mold, is a talented Sprinter. (See Athlete profiles below) The WTDA is a Welsh Athletics set up designed to help catapult talented athletes with developmental potential to the top. It is a new initiative, which is now made up of 14 athletes in total. The new apprentices are set to benefit from expert coaching, injury support as well as a performance managed budget which can help with the costs of training and competing in domestic and international fixtures. They join current member Faye Harding on the Academy books. Faye, who began her training at Wrexham AC is a World University Games 400m runner. This successful Academy scheme has been heralded by Britain's top 400m man Tim Benjamin. The 2008 Beijing Olympic hopeful explained, “We have a vast array of talent in this country and the Talent Development Academy will assist youngsters coming through. It is vital that athletes gain access to top coaching and sports science so I’m glad to see that the future of Welsh athletics is receiving the necessary support.� Below are Athlete profiles of the two new recruits to the Welsh Talent Development Academy. NAME: CHRISTINA HUGHES FROM: Mold, Flintshire D.O.B: 14/12/91 DISCIPLINE: Pole vault and sprint hurdles CLUB: Deeside Athletic AC COACH: Denise Harris (Pole Vault) and Ivor Sayer (Hurdles) Hughes was encouraged in primary school to take part in athletics through the Sports Council for Wales’ Dragon Sport programme. Having spotted her talent, she was invited to Deeside Athletics Club when she was 11. She had always loved watching athletics on the television and, having represented North Wales in gymnastics, was spurred on by the fact that pole vaulters are very often ex-gymnasts. Citing Yelena Isynbyaeva and Colin Jackson as her role models (“because they have achieved levels in their sport that have never been achieved by any other person�), her career highlights to date are representing Wales and finished second in the Celtic Games in 2007. She would now like to pull on the Welsh vest at the Commonwealth Games and would love to compete in London 2012. NAME: RACHEL JOHNCOCK FROM: Dolwyddelan, Conwy D.O.B: 04/10/93 DISCIPLINE: 100m and 200m CLUB: Colwyn Bay AC COACH: Phil Oliver / Simon Pendlebury Rachel Johncock is a rock climber-turned-sprinter. Having competed on the cliff face, she turned her attentions to the track. She is from a sporting family – in fact her grandfather ran the 220 yards for Scotland. Her role model is Lance Armstrong for his ultimate determination and her sprinting technique was once compared to that of Michael Johnson. Over three years, she has garnered eight gold medals. She is now dreaming of Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games. When she is not competing or training, she likes to relax by cycling or hill-walking. http://www.athleticsblog.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2007/12/north_wales_athletes_added_to.html http://www.athleticsblog.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2007/12/north_wales_athletes_added_to.html Tue, 11 Dec 2007 13:50:52 +0000