Photo courtesy of Gillian Buckley
The indoor athletics hall at Gateshead College was a hive of activity last Sunday as athletes from all over the country came to take part in the final indoor meeting of the season.
There were two competitions running concurrently; the NECAA Pentathlon for the North East athletes, and the Open Pentathlon, which, as the name suggests, was open to all……and with age groups ranging from Under 13 all the way up to Seniors, there was a lot to get through in one day!
With our Under 17 Pentathlete, Charlotte Rutter, still recovering from illness, it was left to Under 13 rising star, Tori Buckley to fly the DHAC flag.
If you don’t know Tori, when it comes to sport she’s a bit of an all rounder who can turn her hand to most activities. Her natural ability is obvious when you see her compete; couple this with her boundless enthusiasm and you have a fierce opponent for any fellow athlete. She thrives on the challenge of the multi discipline events and although she’staken part in two Pentathlons previously, this was Tori’s first attempt at an indoor combined event meeting.
As she’s approaching the end of her first year as an Under 13 athlete, today was more about personal performance and gaining experience, rather than winning medals, so if you haven’t heard already, this is how Tori’s day went…..
60m Hurdles
The day started off over the sticks with the 60m Hurdles. Not everyone’s favourite event, in fact the one least liked by many a pentathlete (and their parents, just waiting for that fall!) Not a bad effort from Tori though; a clear run and across the line in 12.28s, just 0.18 off her PB.
Shot Putt
Tori was really disappointed with the shot this time. She threw 5.8m, and knew she could do much better. Unfortunately, her other two attempts were ‘no throws’ so that was that. Very frustrating, but never mind Tori, some days it just doesn’t go your way!☺
High Jump
Next up, the high jump and something to put that smile back on Tori’s face. ☺ A much better result, in fact, she smashed her previous PB of 1.1m by clearing 1.28m. Fantastic performance, and one that currently ranks her joint 3rd in the North East. Well done Tori!
Long Jump
More jumping next, and more smiles! ☺ A fantastic effort once again, and with a best on the day of 3.54m which was another new PB! Nice one, ‘Buckers,’ an excellent result!
60m Sprint
At a regular pentathlon the 800m is normally the last event of the day, but with Gateshead’s indoor hall just having the straight track, that is replaced by the 60m. After arriving at 8.30am, Tori had to wait until 7.00pm for her 60m sprint, so it made for a really long day. But she ran it well and dipped over the line in a time of 9.66s, just 0.12s off her PB.
What a tremendous performance from Tori. She finished 10th out of the North East, and 18th overall, which, when you consider her age is an excellent result! It was a great experience for her and she can’t wait for the outdoor pentathlons to come round.
Well done, Tori ☺
