Great experience gained at U15/U17 National T&F Champs 2023

Charlie Le Mains U15Bb, Isla Hall U15G and Bradley Andrews-Callec U17M travelled to the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham over the bank holiday weekend in August to compete in the England Athletics National U15 and U17 competition. This major athletics competition was held at the 2022 Commonwealth Stadium, the home of athletics in the UK.

The weather on the first day of competition wasn’t on the athletes side but it didn’t do Le Main any harm as he raced in the 100m heats and made it through to the semis as the fastest non qualifier in a time of 11.65. He was delighted to have made it through to the next stage where he finished in 11.76.

The afternoon saw Isla Hall racing in the 1500m in a strong field of 23 athletes. Hall raced well but struggled to stay with the front pack who were all fighting for a qualifying position. Hall finished in 4.50.66 just outside of the qualifying times for the final.

The athletes enjoyed an evening of fun and food prior to the second day of competition. Although drier, it was considerably cooler and windier than the previous day.

Le Main was due to take part in the 200m but had a knee niggle from the previous days race. The on-site Physio deemed him unfit to continue at his first National event. A tough situation for any athlete to deal with.

That left Bradley Andrews-Callec to race later in the afternoon. 15 athletes took to the start in a straight final in the U17M 3000m. Andrews-Callec started well and settled comfortably. Although on paper Andrews-Callec was 10th he managed to hold onto 9th place finishing in 8.51.53 just 1 second shy of his PB.

The athletes all throughly enjoyed this high level competition, but probably enjoyed the additional day out at the theme park, Drayton Manor, even more!