byStuart Weir
Jake Wightman, photo by British Athletics
Cindy Ofili, photo by British Athletics
This is Stuart’s deep thoughts on the British Champs. He has these considerations on events and we like to post them when he sends such observations.
Sideways look at the British Champs
Gluttons for punishment
Jesse Judd, photo by British Athletics
Most athletes are happy enough with one event at the national championships but not all. Jess Judd won the 5000m title on day one. Half an hour later, she was back on the track winning her heat of the 1500m. On day 2 she came second in the 1500m.
Aimee Pratt, photo by British Athletics
Aimee Pratt performed magnificently to defeat Rosie Clarke and win the British title in the 3000m steeplechase. The previous night she qualified for the 800m final, which took place the following day, 75 minutes after her steeplechase. She was fifth in the 800!
On day 1 Eke Okoro ran the prelims of the 400 flat and 400 hurdles successfully. On day 2 he was third in hurdles final and less than 2 hours later sixth in the 400 flat.
The 110m hurdles athletes were offered a bye to the final but insisted on running prelims from which ALL athletes qualified.
Sisters
The best sisters were the Nielsens, with Laviai winning the 400 and Lina coming second in the 400 hurdles.
Lina Nielsen, photo by British Athletics
Two sisters kept the family tradition going. Cindy Ofili won the 100m hurdles following in Tiffany’s footsteps.
Cindy Ofili, photo by British Athletics
Hannah Williams won the 200m which sister Jodie won last year. Vikki Ohuruogu was fourth on the 400, unable to match big sister, Christine’s achievements.
Hannah Williams, photo by British Athletics
And to avoid any confusion, Laura Weightman is not Jake Wightman’s sister – the clue is in the spelling.
Happiest winner
The happiest winner has to be Laviai Nielsen
Laviai Nielsen, photo by British Athletics
Most worried athlete
Jake Wightman. Without spectators to drown him out, Jake had to listen to his dad’s commentary on his race.
Jake Wightman, photo by British Athletics
Conundrum
Geoff Wightman was the stadium announcer. If there are no spectators, why do you need a stadium announcer.
