Kate Avery added to her growing collection of European medals in the European U23 Championships on 14th July in Tampere, Finland.
Overcoming a winter of injuries, Kate claimed a fine bronze medal in the women’s 5,000m. Kate, who has previously medalled at European level in both country and track was delighted with her performance saying, “I’m delighted to be a part of the GB team after all my injury problems. My perseverance with cross training during this period has finally paid off.”
Shildon members are also delighted for Kate and continue to give their best wishes for a long and prosperous career.
Also enjoying success at a major championships was Erica Dixon who bagged three gold medals and a silver at the English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) National Junior Athletics Championships.
Competing in the under-14 category, Erica, from Lartington, near Barnard Castle, won gold in the 200m, 400m and 1,500m events and picked up a silver in the high jump.
The 13-year-old, who has learning difficulties, is a former pupil of Startforth Primary School and now attends the Oakes School, in Spennymoor.
Proud dad Peter said: “She had a fantastic time and was full of enthusiasm for the whole thing.”
Meanwhile, selection for the North East Counties at Hull, meant Georgia Hirst, Courtnie Mills and Josh Mclay took to the track for the Northern Inter County Championships.
The best athletes from the North of England were proud to be representing their respective regions at the event and the Shildon contingent did not disappoint their area, helping the North East achieve a top two placing in the team standings.
Georgia took 3rd place in the u17w 400m “A” race, slashing her previous event best. She went on to assist her regional team to relay medley victory in their respective age group.
Courtnie also performed well in the u15g long jump before assisting the regional u15g to 3rd place in the 4x100m relay.
Josh gained valuable points for the team in the u15b long jump, leaving the North East in their highest position in the competition for a number of years.
At meeting 6 of the NYSD League, Shildon’s competing athletes recorded a flurry of pb performances.
Ryan Etherington, Maddie Wells, Josh Mclay and Georgia Hirst all recorded personal 200m bests.
Chloe Fairclough ran a fine 600m in the u11g event taking 4th place in a new pb of 2m11.8s.
Josh also made his event debut in the triple jump, finishing 2nd, and Ryan competed in the 800m and high jump.
Shildon Running & Athletic club is open to anyone from the age of 8 upwards. If you are interested in joining the club, go along for a free try out session.
For details of club nights and times to suit your age group, check out www.shildonrunning.co.uk or send an email to secretary@shildonrunning.co.uk
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
