It’s been an outstanding short athletics career so far for BGS 2017 alumna, Kate Axford, who ended 2024 on a high with her Team GB debut.

Representing Great Britain’s Senior Women’s team, Kate secured a team silver medal and placed tenth individually at the European Cross Country Championships in Antalya, Türkiye in December.

A member of the Belgrave Harriers, Kate has been in superb form, achieving significant personal bests across all distances she raced in 2024, including the 1500m, 3,000m and 5,000m on the track, as well as the 5km on the road. Her remarkable progress began with a victory in her first 5,000m track race in April 2023. Since then, she has shaved nearly half a minute off her personal best, clocking an impressive 15 minutes 19.40 seconds.

Kate’s stellar performances continued with a bronze medal in the 3,000m at the UK Indoor Athletics Championships in February 2024, showcasing a stunning final-lap surge. Later in the year, she was victorious at the European cross country trial in Liverpool in November, earning her place on the GB team. In 2025, Kate will focus on securing qualifying times for the European Indoor Championships in March, while the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics remains a long-term goal.

After completing the International Baccalaureate Diploma at BGS in 2017, Kate went on to graduate with a degree in Geography from the University of Exeter. Initially pursuing a promising hockey career, her progression was hampered by injury before she found her stride in athletics.

We are incredibly proud of Kate’s inspiring achievements and wish her every success as she continues to excel in her sporting journey.