Adcote athletes enjoyed a stunning day of medal hauls and brilliant performances at this year’s ISA National Championships.
Nine of our girls, picked to represent the Midlands, set off for the competition at Birmingham’s prestigious Alexander Stadium after earlier wins at regional senior and junior championship level.
They came back with two golds, one silver, five bronzes and one extremely proud PE teacher Lisa Nixson.
And making the day even more special they were cheered on and presented with their coveted medals by Team GB Olympic high-jump finalist and Commonwealth Games silver medallist Martyn Bernard and World Indoor Championship bronze medallist and former 1000m British record holder Jo Mersh.
And so to Adcote’s medal-winning athletes: Izzy Jagielka stormed her way to gold in the Year 10/11 100m (time 13:19) and silver in the 200m. Rebecca Walker leapt for gold in the Year 10/11 high jump (1.55m). Poppy Thomas threw to win bronze in the Year 6 shot-put. Ella Thomas took bronze in the Year 7 75m hurdles (time: 13.64). Imogen Lamb won bronze in the Year 8/9 hurdles (time: 13.61). Stephanie Walker clinched bronze in the Year 8/9 long jump (5.05m PB). Our Year 10/11 4x100m relay team of Rebecca Walker, Mia Dyfnallt, Gesine Luthgens and Izzy Jagielka were in superb form to win bronze. Poppy Livermore was out of the medals but put in an heroic performance in the Year 5 600m.
“I was privileged to watch some amazing athletic performances at this year’s ISA National Championships with nine of our girls representing the Midlands in 11 events,” said Ms Nixson with a tear of pride in her eyes.
First up was Poppy Thomas in the shot. Despite her first three shots not being the performance she’d hoped for, due to nerves, she steeled herself, changed her technique and pulled off a long last throw to secure a bronze medal.
Meanwhile Stephanie Walker was jumping high in the Year 8/9 high jump but not to her usual form so finished in a commendable 5th place.
Ella Thomas clattered her first hurdle in the Year 7 75m hurdles, but stayed upright and powered up the track to a photo-finish and a bronze. A cleaner race could have given her silver.
Imogen Lamb showed excellent technique in the Year 8/9 hurdles and crossed the line in third position with only Year 9 girls ahead of her. Bring on 2019!
Meanwhile Stephanie had moved over to the long jump and was looking impressive. With a personal best of 5.05m she took bronze.
Next up was Poppy Livermore. But with the sun beating down and a humid atmosphere it was not ideal conditions for the 600m. The starting pistol went and Poppy stayed at the back of the group to keep out of trouble. But the pace was fierce. Poppy fought back and gained ground on the last corner, but the pace was too much. She gave her all! She could hardly speak at the end of the race!
100m gold was an almost certainty for Izzy Jagielka who has won her age group in the national championships every year since 2015. She had a perfect start, eased into the lead at 50m and from then on no-one could catch her.
Rebecca Walker played it cool in the Year 10/11 high jump. She leapt to gold with a jump of 1.55m.
Guns up in the 200m Year10/11 race and Izzy was in the outside lane – not the best – yet she was in the lead on the bend. It was neck-and-neck as the runners pulled into the straight. Izzy couldn’t quite stay in front and bagged a silver medal with a beaming smile.
The final event was the 4x100m Year 10/11 relay. Gesine and Mia had waited patiently all day for this. Rebecca ran a solid and experienced first leg, cleanly handing over to Mia who kept a cool head and handed over to Gesine in 4th place. Gesine ran a great bend, not losing any ground. The baton safely in Izzy’s hands, she stormed through to win the bronze. Oh jubilation!
“What an awesome school team, what a day, what memories! I was so proud to be part of this day and to watch a group of girls who are such a credit to our school and our PE department. It was a great team effort for our PE department and all those involved,” added Ms Nixson.
Categories: Achievement Resilience