School girls' athletics team are national champions (From Brentwood Weekly News)

School girls' athletics team are national champions

12:57pm Thursday 2nd August 2012 in Local Sport

BRENTWOOD School Girls’ Athletics Team were crowned National Champions at the 33rd National Track and Field cup final held at Melbourne Park, Chelmsford.

The Brentwood Girls, all aged 12 to 13, were magnificent from start to finish. Emily Shaw scored maximum points in the javelin with a splendid throw of 27.75m and Charlotte Walters put in an outstanding performance, throwing the discus 24.99m.

Ella Lindsay and Zoe Thompson both won their 200m heats convincingly, recording times under 28 seconds.

The girls also showed tremendous focus and concentration in the relay competition, completing the race in 57.6 seconds to secure an additional 20 points and the title of National Track and Field Champions – a remarkable achievement.

The Intermediate team also attained some fantastic results, finishing fourth with only nine points separating them from second place.

Team stars included Nicole McKechnie, who achieved a Track and Field cup final national record by winning the 300m in 40.7 seconds, beating the previous record by nearly three seconds.

In addition, Christy Daily secured maximum points in the 800m winning in 2.21 and Alexandra Morrison accomplished 10.34m in the triple jump. Lastly, Beatrice Akinmolayen secured 26 individual points in the shot with a fine throw of 9.50m. Both the Brentwood Girls’ athletics teams competed brilliantly throughout the day.

Jeff Kayne, director of sports at the school, commented: “The National Track and Field cup is unusual in athletics as it is a genuine team event, based on performance rather than finishing position.

"Each athlete is required to compete in two events and inevitably this involves significant training in order to develop their technique in two disciplines.

“This really is an incredible achievement from both teams and one the school should celebrate.”

Headmaster Ian Davies said: “I am overjoyed our junior girls’ athletic team have been crowned national champions.

“Both teams’ performance at the national final was exceptional and the girls should be very proud of their fine achievement.”