National Track Championships
National Platform for young Harriers Track Athletes
Five young athletes represented Colchester Harriers at the prestigious National Championships held at Bedford International Stadium on the weekend of 27th & 28 August. To qualify, each athlete must attain the required England Athletics entry standard time or distance during the competition year.
Saturday 27th saw first year U17 men’s sprinter Mufaro Shava compete in the opening heat of the 100m. Despite a performance which saw him race against some of the fastest lads in the country, and running into a testing head wind, Shava finished seventh in a quick heat, just missing out on a place in the semis.
Despite a season that has rewarded Jake Young with a haul of county and regional titles with Gold medal wins at the Essex and Eastern Championships, South of England indoor Champs, the Essex Schools Championships, as well as a recent Silver at the South of England OutdoorChamps, Young found himself boxed in during a tough, tactical 800m heat. Sadly he was unable to make up ground and did not progress through to the final.
Against increasingly blustery conditions, Jed Asamota, another young talent to watch out for as he moves into his second year as an U17 sprinter, took on his favourite distance, 400m to finish a creditable 6th place in his heat.
Rebecca Jeggo, whose form has continued to impress this season with an impressive clutch of County and Regional medals as well as a place on the Essex team at the English Schools Championships, won her heat comfortably. A finalist at this event last year, Jeggo was certainly one to watch. A fast semi, lead her to an exciting final where despite placing sixth, a mere 0.11 seconds stood between her and a medal. She finishes the season ranked 12th in the country.
In the U17 men’s 200m and his first time at a National Championships, Charlie Dobson who has seen a return to form this year, had nothing to lose by going all out in a very tough heat. Despite a poor start, Dobson finished a very creditable fourth place, just missing out on the final. Disappointment was short lived having rewarded himself with a valuable PB and new Club Record of 22.53s. Coach Steve Garnham should be delighted with his work this year with both Jeggo and Dobson as they now move up to U20’s.
Also to qualify through to the Champs was Harriers sprinter Callum McKay, however due to an injury he was unable to compete in the 100m.