Photo – Alumna Kate Axford (2017)

We couldn't be prouder of BGS alumnae and sisters Kate (2017) and Maddie Axford (2021), who continue to excel on the international sporting stage.

Kate was once again selected to represent Team England in The Cross Italica 10k (12th November) in Seville, the fourth World Athletics Cross Country Tour Gold meeting of the season. The Belgrave Harriers star placed 8th overall and was the 3rd European to cross the line. You can view the full results and report from England Athletics here.

After experiencing a prolonged injury in her international hockey career, Kate decided to switch to athletics last year, and it's been a tremendous success! Her recent achievements include winning the Comeback 5000m at Battersea in 15:49.79 (23rd April) and claiming victory in her first-ever 3000m race at the Loughborough International in 9:06.02 (21 May). Kate completed her International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma in 2017 and studied Geography at the University of Exeter from 2017 to 2020.

Meanwhile, Maddie's international hockey career is reaching new heights, as she gears up to represent England Hockey in the upcoming Junior World Cup (29th November – 10th December) in Chile.

Last year, the University of Nottingham hockey player was selected for the 2023 GB Women's Elite Development Programme (EDP) squad. In April 2022, Maddie and her England Hockey U21 team claimed a historic bronze at the Junior Women’s World Cup in Potchefstroom, South Africa. Maddie is pursuing studies in International Media and Communications at the University of Nottingham.

Read more about Maddie’s selection here.