BGS 2017 alumna, Kate Axford, continues to excel on the international sporting stage, securing first place at the Liverpool Cross Challenge last Saturday.

The event, which also served as the European Cross Country Championship trials, attracted thousands of athletes competing for a place on the UK team travelling to Antalya, Turkey, on the 8th December. Kate entered the race in fine form, having finished third at the Cardiff Cross Challenge earlier in November as the first British athlete.

Running for Belgrave Harriers, Kate stayed with the lead pack for much of the race before pulling ahead in the final stretch to secure victory and her spot on the GB team for the Euro Cross.

Speaking to Athletics Weekly, Kate said: “I felt amazing. I was trying to push on and stay strong. Cardiff was when I realised that I might be able to win here. I came into it confident but with great respect for everyone around me. It’s going to be an incredible team heading into the Euro Cross, and hopefully, we can bring home team gold.”

After completing the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma at BGS in 2017, Kate graduated with a degree in geography from the University of Exeter. Initially pursuing a promising hockey career, her progress was hindered by injury. Since 2023, she has represented Belgrave Harriers, achieving significant successes, including a gold medal in the 3000m at Loughborough for Team England.

Expected to be a strong contender in Turkey, Kate will be joined by Abbie Donnelly, the current European bronze medallist, who will be aiming to improve on her third-place finish from 12 months ago. Together, they will help defend the team gold Britain claimed in Brussels last year.

We wish Kate every success as she prepares to compete for GB for the first time at the Euro Cross Championships next month.