Harriers Success at Pilot Track and Field Competitions

A Harriers Hammer thrower achieved a substantial personal best at one of the rare official England Athletics pilot competitions being held, whilst other members of the squad have taken on a few of the sparse virtual throwing challenges available during these challenging times.

Under 20 thrower Josephine Larkins threw a substantial pb at the EA pilot meeting hosted at Allianz Park on the 11th July. This saw an improvement from the 45.99m, achieved during 2019, to 48.89m. A distance which sits her currently as UK number three.

First year Under 15 athlete Wyatt Larkins and first year Under 17 Olivia Simon “competed” in the virtual English schools championships. Of the completed entries Wyatt finished fourth with 38.84m and Olivia sixth with 45.12m. Both performances exceeded their official pb’s which, once there is safe opportunity to compete, both are expected to improve upon.

Prior to the lockdown, returning Harrier Philippa Davenall took part in the European Winter throws trial at Loughborough. Her distance of 58.12m was her third best ever and placed her first in the under 23 group. Now back home after her successful university years, both sporting and academic, she is in full training with every indication that she will be challenging the top five at senior level in 2021.

Coach, and old person thrower Rob Earle “competed” in the World Virtual Challenge for masters, which replaced the actual event which was due to take place in Toronto Canada. Taking part in the Masters 55-59 age group he returned figures of: Shot 12.78…Discus 42.88…Hammer 53.22…Weight Throw 18.38. The Hammer and Weight Throw marks saw two first placed rankings, with a third in the Discus. And a sixth place in the Shot.

On Sunday 12 July, Jakub Walecki, returning for his very first day of specific training at the Garrison, “jumped”   at the chance to also take part in the Virtual English Schools Competition. His clearance of 1.89m was just 1cm shy of his PB achieved earlier this year at the English Age Group Champs and placed him first in the Intermediate Boys event.

At Lee Valley on Sunday 2nd August, Rebecca Jeggo finally kicked off her summer season running a superb 100m into a strong headwind. Finishing quickest in a small field of athletes who took full advantage of the superbly organised London Inter Club Challenge ( LICC) meet, by her higher claim club, Shaftesbury Barnett. Her time of  12.01s (-2.3 w) lays down a very promising start, placing her third in the UK rankings and is testament to her tenacity and dedication to training throughout the lockdown.