There was a full weekend of indoor action last week as Gateshead College played host to the NECAA Indoor Track & Field Championships. With eager athletes from all of the North East clubs the place was buzzing with excitement, and two of our top junior girls were there to play their part.
Under 15 Girls Shot Putt Both Lily Thompson and big sister Rosie are looking forward to the outdoor season starting again, so they can show off the full repertoire of their throwing abilities. But for today it was Lily who was back for more indoor action in the shot. Still in her first year at Under 15, she’s been steadily improving as the indoor season’s progressed, and today she was just 17cm short of her PB with the heavier 3k shot. Her best on the day was 9.17cm, which was enough to take the bronze medal! A fantastic effort, Lily, keepup the good work
Under17 Girls With the NECAA Open Indoor Pentathlon just round the corner, this weekend was also a good opportunity for Under 17 star, Charlotte Rutter to get in some extra practice. As she did a few weeks ago at the Northern Championships, Charlotte competed in 5 events over the two days – the 60m Sprint, 60m Hurdles, Long Jump, High Jump and the Shot Putt. A busy weekendwe’re sure you’ll agree.
60m Sprint Charlotte was drawn in Heat 2 of the 60m; a tough heat against some quality athletes. But she looked strong and ran with confidence, crossing the line in 3rd place in a super fast time of 8.45s, qualifying for the semi-final. An even tougher prospect, lined up with some of the North East’s best. A close race this one with only 0.67s separating 1st and 6th place…..and a nearly identical time of 8.46s for Charlotte, finishing in 4th place, narrowly missing out on a place in the final.
60m Hurdles Straight into the semi-final with this – one of Charlotte’s favourite events. An impressive performance lead to a comfortable 2nd place in an excellent time of 9.19s, and qualification for the final! With a great line up, against some top ranking athletes, Charlotte certainly had a battle on her hands here. But she flew over the hurdles and dipped across the line in 2nd place, with a new PB of 9.05s! A fantastic effort which gives Charlotte a UK ranking of 16! HighJump Another one of Charlotte’s favourites. An event that’s all about the technique, something she has definitely mastered! There was some excellent jumping from all competitors, and Charlotte’s best on the day was another new PB of 1.48m, and another silver medal for 2nd place!
Long Jump Another great performance and another medal followed in the long jump! There was some tough competition, but Charlotte held her own. Her best jump on the day was 4.94m, equalling the PB she set at the Northern Championshipslast month….andenough to take 3rd place! Shot Putt Always a tough call for Charlotte competing against specialist shot putters! But a great effort nonetheless, finishing in 5th place with a best throw of 8.25m. Overall, a tremendous performance with two 2nd places, one third, and two PB’s – what a weekend! We’re already looking forward to seeing how she does at the NECAA Indoor Pentathlon next month! Best of luck Charlotte!