Talented multi-event athlete, Etienne Maughan (Year 11), returned to the track in April with some fantastic early-season performances for Bedford and County AC. Recently she set an 80 metre hurdles PB of 11.52 at Nuneaton on Saturday 1st May.

Etienne reflected on her adapted lockdown training and the season so far.

“In the past few weeks, I have been able to return to the Bedford International Athletics Stadium to begin training at the track again after a long lockdown. It has been really good to train more regularly and have better access to facilities in order to better my training. During lockdown, both in 2020 and earlier this year, I have been forced to adapt to the new situation and become more inventive with my training, having to train in car parks and rugby fields for many months.

“Some of my events like hurdles and long jump have been especially tough to train for, not having access to hurdles or a long jump pit. I am extremely pleased I have been able to hurdle and jump again properly for the first time in a year. However, despite these difficulties, I believe the circumstances have built a greater determination to demonstrate my hard work over the last year at competitions.

“This year, despite the reduced competition season, I plan on competing at the English Schools Athletics competition and the Under 17 National Championships. I will also be participating in the Southern Athletics League and National Athletics League senior club competitions and the Eastern Young Athletes League for Bedford and County. I am eager to have the opportunity to compete in league matches and national competitions once again and will do my best to optimise any chance for competition I am lucky enough to have.”