By Mrs Smith (PE Teacher)
On Friday 7th June, a select group of BGS athletes who had achieved the qualifying standards headed to the Bedford International Athletics Stadium to compete in the East Area Prep School Athletics competition. The standard was high, and the 35+ schools had sent their best competitors.
Our 1500m runners started off the day, with all placing 7th in their individual races. Lottie Ayers (Year 6) ran 6m07, Pippa Blakemore (Year 7) ran 5m51, and Megan Barnicoat (Year 8) ran a 5m31 Personal Best.
Amelia Atherton (Year 8) ran well in the 300m, arguably one of the toughest events. Emily Elphick (Year 7) competed in the U13 girls' 70m hurdles and was 0.1 seconds from qualifying for the final. The 200m heats were highly competitive, and although Evelyn Howard (Year 6), Krystal Sotannde (Year 7), and Mya Waterfall (Year 8) ran well, they didn’t make the finals. Mya, in particular, was just 0.1 seconds off the pace for qualification.
Grace Randall (Year 8) ran 14.8 seconds in her 100m heat and was just outside the required time. However, Merrin Harris (Year 7) ran 14.3 seconds, securing her place in a highly competitive final. Lottie Tillison (Year 6) ran 14.8 seconds in her heat and then threw herself over the line in the final to secure the silver medal.
In the field events, the students continued to do us proud. The Year 6 competitors were in their first major competition and gained valuable experience. Evelyn Howard participated in the High Jump, Hattie Rogers competed in the Shot Put, Evie Hyman in the Long Jump, and Lottie Ayers in the Javelin. Amelia Atherton placed 5th in the Shot Put. In the U13 girls' Javelin, Emily Elphick (Year 7) threw 29.99m to secure the win, and Emily Foster (Year 8) jumped a season best of 1.45m to secure the gold medal in the High Jump.
Everyone placing 1st or 2nd in their competition is selected to represent Bedfordshire at the Prep Schools Final in Birmingham on Wednesday 3rd July.
We wish Emily Elphick, Lottie Tillison and Emily Foster the very best of luck!
