It was an historic day for 2017 BGS alumna, Kate Axford, who lit up the Paula Radcliffe Stadium on Sunday (21st May) with her gold winning performance in front of an animated crowd!  

Following her impressive 5000m medal winning performance at the recent Comeback 5000 for Belgravia Harriers, Kate was selected to represent Team England for the very first time at the Loughborough International.

Following her completion of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma in 2017, Kate studied Geography at the University of Exeter (2017-2020). A talented hockey player who has been part of the GB and England professional hockey pathway, Kate decided to transition to athletics following a prolonged injury and remarkably has been selected to represent Team England in her first season. 

This year marked 65 years of this iconic track and field championship, which has seen many great names and performances over the years. The competition is an important marker in the early outdoor season as athletes look to improve on their current form or chase qualifying standards ahead of this year’s World Athletics Championships and World Para Athletics Championships.

During the race, Kate powered away from stiff competition in the women’s 3000m. She clung onto Kaur Milan Bains and the much-fancied Innes Fitzgerald before passing them on the final lap and holding off the challenge of a resurgent Bains in the home straight. Kate won the race with a time of 9:06.02.

Speaking after the race, Kate said: “I knew that there were some really strong shorter distance runners in there, so I knew they’d have a kick left in them at the end. I managed to save something for that last lap, but it wasn’t easy.”

Many congratulations, Kate! We look forward to following Kate’s very promising athletics career.