Worthing's young athletes shine in Covid-secure competitions

Worthing Harriers Ella Macara, Alice Howie, Rebecca Roberts and Hope Yelling

Despite lockdown and having to adapt training considerably, all have worked hard throughout the year and the club are pleased some competitions have been able to go ahead recently.

August brought the first one, with U17 multi eventer Hope Yelling jumping a new PB of 11.39m in the triple jump at Lee Valley. Later, she achieved 5.23m in the long jump,13.68s 100m sprint, 24.93m in the javelin and a new shot PB of 9.35m.

U15 Libby Froome jumped 4.48m at the South of England Covid Games.

A Worthing Harriers evening meeting / Pictures: Ed Wilcock and Andy Cox

U17 Ella Macara has made incredible javelin progress this season, improving 6.85m from last year with an fantastic 35.25m, along with another PB in the long jump, jumping 4.78m.

U13 Alice Howie has achieved four new PBs, throwing 31.59m in the hammer, 15.48m discus, 7.97m shot and 24.20m javelin.

U13 Rebecca Roberts achieved a big PB in the discus, throwing 27.11m, along with PBs in the hammer of 20.11m and shot 9.30m.

With the difficulty of training through lockdown and with the athletics season looking very different this year, they should all be proud of their achievements.

The 100m at the Worthing Harriers evening meeting / Pictures: Ed Wilcock and Andy Cox

Meanwhile Worthing Harriers have hosted three athletics events at Worthing Leisure Centre, attracting some of the best athletes in the country.

Club chairman Gavin Stephens said: “This athletics season has certainly been a bit different, and the club were desperate to provide some competition before the end of the summer.

“The three meetings have been incredibly successful, resulting in the highest standard competition the town has ever seen.”

With few competitions throughout the country, the events attracted national level athletes and brought seven new track records, including a new county record in the women’s triple jump.

“It’s been fantastic to see people enjoying their athletics in a safe and responsible way.

“We’re feeling the pressure of the current situation and finding a way to keep both competitive sport and leisure activity happening is so important. These events couldn’t have taken place without a dedicated team of officials and volunteers, so I’d like to say a big thank you to them,” said Stephens.

Following the success, the club are already looking forward to the 2021 season – with four evening meetings already being planned.

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