After a comparable 2010 and a mediocre winter of which two months of training were lost due to the snowy weather that saw the track closed, a loss of momentum occurred within the group. Still some good performances were had, with five medallists in the group at the Surrey County Championship which gave us a 100% medal tally with four pole vaulters competing, something the club had never done at a County championships.
With a few months of regular training on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s, John Taylor won a Surrey silver medal for the U17 Boys pole vault, as did Francesca Meade in the U17 girls along with Maysie Hilarine medalling in third place; and young Aaron Clark U15 Boys taking a first place and Gold medal. Well done to them – throughout the season these athletes helped to give the club vital points in their various league matches.
Once again Angharad Seton showed her talent in easily making the English Schools Entry height by clearing 2.90m with her first competition of the year, She only competed in one other competition because of illness and exams before going to the English Schools Champs and again vaulting 2.90m to take 7th place, since Angharad Seaton and Lily Whitham will now be on their way to University, we will miss them and wish them all the best.
Our more senior athlete Pablo Sisca did not Vault this year after sustaining a back injury high jumping with the High Jump group, hopefully will be back soon, along with William McLeish unable to compete with working commitments.
Our newer Athletes are showing good progress, like at the Southern women’s League at Kings meadow Stadium where Josie Rampley U20 and Freya Cooper U17 clearing 2.10m on their first Pole Vault competition, and in Freya’s case with only a handful or Pole vault sessions could be the new stars of 2012.
Winter training is the bedrock for the summer track and field season, with a good turn out to training this winter progress into 2012 which of course is our Olympic year, could be our best, but only if we work for it… and this winter is the time to start.
Eustace Northey
Coach