Happy Birthday from Thursday 19 September to Wednesday 25 September – Graeme Allan, Georgina Christophprpu, Sam Clements, Taha Cockerill, Jonathan Cohen, Zane Duquemin, Olive Harvey-Dew, Gidgeon Kramer, Bob Mallows, Grace Nyaongo, Kendrick Oganyo, Johnson Ogunniyi, Marilyn Okoro, Euan Phillips, Julian Priest, Hannah Pullar, Travis Scottow, Isaac Van Den Bergh, Dave Weightman and Ben Wills

ETHAN WALSH – It is with great sadness that I have to advise you of the death of ETHAN. He was involved in a car accident last Wednesday, and tragically, passed away, aged 27, from his injuries on Friday. Our sincere thoughts, and condolences are with his father, DAVID, and the family at this sad time.

There are condolences from many of ETHAN’S friends, and these are from GEOFF MORPHITIS, “ETHAN was a special friend, as well as an excellent athlete. His loyalty was unquestionable towards both me, and SBH.”
LOUGHBOROUGH pole vault squad posted that the club “Can’t comprehend that you are gone” and said ETHAN was “a legend of our pole vaulting world, getting back up no matter how many times this sport knocked you down”.

ETHAN joined Shaftesbury in January 2014 aged 16. In his early years as a junior, he was a regular in the UK YDL, and BAL teams. He finished 2nd in the European Clubs Junior Championships in Turkey, and again in Spain. His personal best was 4.90m achieved in the 2016 UK YDL match at Eton. His 3 years as an Under 23 saw him progress to being a 5m vaulter, with a personal best of 5.30m. In 2019, he won a bronze medal in the England Championships. 2020 saw him vault his current personal best of 5.36m. He also won a silver medal in the England Indoor Championships, and a bronze medal in the England Outdoor Championships. From 2021, ETHAN was a regular in the National Athletics League team, and in 2023 he won a silver medal in the England Outdoor Championships.

Photograph of ETHAN taken at the 2016 European Junior Club Championships in Castellon, Spain. ETHAN who had competed in 2015 at Istanbul, Turkey, was a member of a young and relatively inexperienced SBH team with only 4 top year juniors arrived in Castellon via Barcelona with no real expectations other than achieving a 3rd place finish on a good day to match the 2015 result. The Turkish and Spanish teams were in buoyant mood boasting strong squads based on having finished in the top 2 in 2014 and 2015.
ETHAN produced a vault of (4.80m) to finish in second place, enabling the SBH team to secure an outstanding win with 123 points, second was Fernbahce, Turkey with 116 points and third Castellon, Spain with 93 points.

NEW CLUB RECORD – Congratulations to ROSALIND ZEFFERTT V60 whose (3.91m) broke her own Women’s 60-64 Long Jump record at the Be Fit Today open meeting at Lee Valley on 28 August. ROSALIND previous record was (3.88m) at Derby on 11 June 2022.

200 CLUB – Congratulations to HUGH RICHARDS who at the Blandford Parkrun last Saturday, completed his 200th run.

LEE VALLEY INDOOR FIXTURES – The following fixture is now open to enter. Please remember to enter as early as possible, to avoid not to be disappointed.

LEE VALLEY INDOOR OPEN MEETING – Takes place on Monday 1 December, at the Lee Valley Athletics Centre, 61 Meridian Way, Edmonton (Satnav N9 0AR).
Events are 60m, 300m, 600m, 60m Hurdles and Long Jump. For all age-groups including U13s.
Entries Opened Sunday 1 September
To enter please use this link – https://data.opentrack.run/en-gb/x/2024/GBR/decopen/
Entries Closing Date Sunday 24 November – Please be advised that events may be full before the closing date.
Note: You will have to enter yourself and pay the appropriate entry fee

Link to the 4 Lee Valley indoor fixtures – New Year Day open meeting Wednesday 1 January, London U20 and Senior Games Saturday 18 January and Sunday 19 January, London U13, U15, U17 Games Saturday 25 January and Sunday 26 January, Middle Distance open meeting Wednesday 19 February. They will be open to enter on Opentrack from Tuesday 1 October – Indoor Fixture Fixtures Opening 1 October 2024

LEE VALLEY MINITHON INDOOR FIXTURES – Is for School years 3 to 7, in which you compete in 3 events from the following – 60m, 200m, 600, 60m Hurdles, High Jump (Year 6 and 7 only), Long Jump, Shot Put and Javelin (Year 6 and 7 only).
There are 3 fixtures on Saturday 19 October, Saturday 17 December and Saturday 22 March.
Link to information guide on the Minithon – Information Guide For Lee Valley Minithon
To enter please use this link – https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/lee-valley/athletics-centre/kids-activities#%20
Entries Closing Date Wednesday 16 October – Please be advised that events may be full before the closing date.
Note: You will have to enter yourself and pay the appropriate entry fee

BE FIT TODAY INDOOR OPEN MEETING – Takes place on Sunday 8 December, at the Lee Valley Athletics Centre, 61 Meridian Way, Edmonton (Satnav N9 0AR).
Events are 60m, 200m, 300m, 600m, 800m, 60m Hurdles, High Jump (2 spaces left), Long Jump and Triple Jump. For all age-groups including U13s.
To enter please use this link – https://data.opentrack.run/en-gb/x/2024/GBR/bftta-indoor-1/
Entries Closing Date Sunday 1 December – Please be advised that events may be full before the closing date.
Note: You will have to enter yourself and pay the appropriate entry fee

PHOTOGRAPH OF ROBERT RIGBY – Was taken at the rececnt ‘Big Half’, and is sporting a superb T shirt, reflecting his role as the Lord Mayor of Westminster.

MEMOROBILIA AVAILABLE, ARE YOU INTERESTED – An Athletics enthusiast, who I’ve known for many years as a senior official, wishes to dispose of part of his collection of Athletics related books and programmes. These have been acquired since the 1950’s, and would certainly be of interest to serious collectors. They include: –
Books – from the 1920’s to 1960
AAA Championship Programmes from 1932 to 1967 (incomplete)
White City Programmes from 1937 to 1967 (incomplete)
British Olympic Association – Official Reports – 1936 Berlin, 1948 London, 1952 Helsinki, and 1956 Melbourne

If interested, please contact me, geoffrey.morphitis@capeandd.com / 07976 994302

SHAFTESBURY BARNET HARRIERS SUBSCRIPTIONS – Our new Club year started on 1 October 2023. The current SBH annual subscription is £80 and the current England Athletics annual registration from 1 April 2024 is £19. The current total is £99 and should be paid NOW to; ACCOUNT NAME: SHAFTESBURY BARNET HARRIERS, BANK: HSBC, ACCOUNT NUMBER: 41308378, SORT CODE: 400426 – Please advise GEOFF MORPHITIS by email (geoffrey.morphitis@capeandd.com) when payment has been made.

RESULTS
Just to clarify, that the results I publish can be different to those that are shown on the Power of 10. The differences relate to seasons and personal best performances. For example in the recent EYAL results, an athlete in the 200m ran (24.1), and on his profile his season’s best was shown as (23.88) indoors. As the 200m indoors and outdoors are totally different type of events, I had shown the (24.1) as a season’s best.
The Power of 10 publishes separate UK rankings for indoor and outdoor performances.

NATIONAL CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS – Took place at Western Park, Shropshire on 14 September.
Was due to have taken part last February, but due to the torrential rain that week, which made the course and car parking area’s underwater

Under 13 Boys – No SBH runners, the winner was Theo Creed of Hercules Wimbledon (10.41) 227 runners finished
Team Result – 1st Hercules Wimbledon (98 points), 2nd Windsor, Slough, Eton & Hounslow (170), 3rd Liverpool Harriers (197) 24 teams finished
Under 13 Girls – AIMEE PORTER U13 20th (12.28), the winner was Kara Gorman of Windsor, Slough, Eton & Hounslow (11.24) 247 runners finished
Team Result – 1st Chelmsford (85 points), 2nd Warriors Pentathlon AC (105), 3rd Windsor, Slough, Eton & Hounslow (153) 25 teams finished
Under 15 Boys – JESSE ABRAHAMS U15 71st (14.44), JARED MORRIS U15 1113th (15.20), CALEB HILTON U15 116th (15.21), JESSE ABRAHAMS U15 71st (14.44), the winner was Mikey Bacon of Rotherham Harriers (13.03) 212 runners finished
Team Result – 1st Tonbridge (80 points), 2nd Trafford (109), 3rd Chelmsford (151), 17th SBH (434) 23 teams finished
Under 15 Girls – No SBH runners, the winner was Paige Quinn of Torbay (14.32) 176 runners finished
Team Result – 1st Chelmsford (58 points), 2nd Aldershot, Farnham & District (62), 3rd Eastbourne Rovers (101) 14 teams finished
Under 17 Men – RAFAEL GAYER U17 44th (20.17), JORDAN PEARLMAN U17 74th (20.49), JOHN-MICHAEL DIRACLES U17 95th (21.27), the winner was Michael Clark of City of Norwich (18.45) 162 runners finished
Team Result – 1st Aldershot, Farnham & District (109 points), 2nd City of Norwich (109), 3rd Hercules Wimbledon (164) 12 teams finished
Under 17 Women – No SBH runners, the winner was Freya Bradley of Westbury Harriers (17.57) 101 runners finished
Team Result – 1st Windsor, Slough, Eton & Hounslow (45 points), 2nd Salford Harriers (72), 3rd Epsom & Ewell (182) 6 teams finished
Under 20 Men – ABDIRAHIM HAMUD U20 19th (35.27), the winner was Aron Gebremariam of Birchfield Harriers (32.34) 67 runners finished
Team Result – 1st Aldershot, Farnham & District (55 points), 2nd Tonbridge (73), 3rd Cambridge & Coleridge (124) 5 teams finished
Under 20 Women – No SBH runners, the winner was Emilia Platt of Salford Harriers (20.57) 53 runners finished
Team Result – 1st Vale Royal (32 points), 2nd Cambridge & Coleridge (32), 3rd Epsom & Ewell (44) 5 teams finished
Senior Men – JAMIE DEE 14th (39.32), DAVID GREENSTEIN V60 339th (56.35), the winner was Hugo Milner of Derby (37.28) 67 runners finished
Team Result – 1st Bristol & West (138 points), 2nd Highgate Harriers (168), 3rd Leeds City (189) 28 teams finished
Senior Women – INDIRA PATEL U23 17th (33.00), ELANA DIMMER 52nd (36.34), EMILIA ECONOMU 85th (39.34), the winner was Niamh Brown of Aldershot, Farnham & District (29.53) 266 runners finished
Team Result – 1st Aldershot, Farnham & District (68 points), 2nd Thames Hare & Hounds (88), 3rd Leeds City (120) 32 teams finished

WANDA DIAMOND LEAGUE FINAL – Took place at Brussels, Belgium on 13-14 September.
400m – CHARLIE DOBSON (HCA) 1st (44.49)

PARKRUN – Can you make sure that you are registered as ‘Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers’, as the link I use to select all results only shows SBH athletes. If anyone is also officiating can you please contact me and advise me where and when.

PARKRUNS MILESTONE VESTS – You can purchase these from 50 to 500, this is the link – https://shop.parkrun.com/collections/milestone-run-walk-vests

PARKRUNS IN THE UK – Last Saturday at parkruns in the UK, there were…
1,228 events – 231,607 walkers, joggers, runners and volunteers – 11,715 first timers – 32,315 PBs

COMPLETELY USELESS RANDOM FACT – In the last year, the sign language support volunteer role was performed at parkrun 792 times!

UPCOMING FIXTURES FOR THE NEXT 6 WEEKS, WHICH COVERS THE PERIOD THURSDAY 19 SEPTEMBER UNTIL WEDNESDAY 30 OCTOBER – The SBH 2024 Summer Fixture Card can be found on the SBH website, in which you can Access/Print a copy for future reference. Also the majority of fixtures Information can be found on the SBH Website under the ‘Upcoming Fixtures’ section.

SOUTHERN SENIOR MEN’S, WOMEN’S AND YOUNG ATHLETES ROAD RELAYS – Takes place on Saturday 21 September at the Rushmoor Arena, Aldershot (Satnav GU11 2ET).
Timetable – 10.30 U13 Boys (3 x 3000m), 10.58 U13 Girls (3 x 3000m), 11.26 U15 Boys (3 x 3000m), 11.53 U15 Girls (3 x 3000m), 12.30 U17 Men (3 x 4600m), 12.32 U17 Women/Masters Women 40+ & 50+ (3 x 4600m), 13.35 U20/Senior Women (4 x 6000m), 15.15 U20 & Senior Men (6 x 6000m), 15.15 Masters 40+ & 50+ & 60+ Men (4 x 6000m)
Note: You will have to be pre-entered by your respective Team Manager
Entries Closed

NORTH WEST LONDON LEAGUE – The first fixture of five takes place on Saturday 28 September at the Tir Chonail Gaelic Sports Club, at the end of Berkeley Avenue, Greenford (Satnav UB6 0NZ).
For age-groups U11, U13, U15 & U17 Boys and Girls.
Directions – turn off Greenford Road (A4127), opposite the entrance to the Glaxo Factory. The playing fields are at the end of Berkeley Avenue.
Car parking – There will be no parking permitted on the grass adjacent to the course. Please make maximum car share use, travel via public transport to Greenford Station (Central Line) or seek parking in nearby roads or on Greenford Road where there should be plenty of space, then make the short walk to the race HQ.
Timetable – 12.00 U11 Boys & Girls (2000m), 12.15 U13 Boys & Girls (3000m), 12.40 U15 Boys & Girls (4000m), 13.05 U17 Men & Women (5000m).
Note: You do not have to be pre-entered, just turn up and run. Please see TY HOLDEN who will give you a race numbe

MIDDLESEX 10K ROAD RACE – Takes place on Sunday 29 September, from Victoria Park Harriers clubhouse (Satnav E9 5EG). Age-group U17 and above.
Link for information and to enter – https://englandathletics.sport80.com/public/wizard/e/28217/home
Entries Closing Date Thursday 26 September

NATIONAL ROAD RELAYS – Takes place on Saturday 5 October at Sutton Park, Sutton Coldfield, Town Gate Entrance, Birmingham (Satnav B73 6BU).
Timetable – 11.00 U13 Boys (3 Legs of 3.88km), 11.05 U13 Girls (3 Legs of 3.88km), 12.00 U15 Boys (3 Legs of 3.88km), 12.05 U15 Girls (3 Legs of 3.88km), 12.50 U17 Men (3 Legs of 3.88km), 12.55 U17 Women (3 Legs of 3.88km), 14.00 Senior Men (6 Legs of 5.848km). 14.10 Senior Women (4 Legs of 4.33km). Note: The Senior Men have to qualify at the Southern Relays.
Entries Closing Date Friday 27 September
Note: You will have to be pre-entered by your respective Team Manager

START FITNESS METROPOLITAN LEAGUE – The first fixture of five takes place on Saturday 12 October at Claybury, Essex.
The following will be updated once the full information is published on the Metropolitan League website.
Course Location – Claybury Park, Roding Lane North, Woodford Green (Satnav IG8 8NN).
Race HQ – Start/Finish in Claybury Park.
Changing Facilities – Ashton Playing Fields Track, Chigwell Road (Satnav IG8 8AA). 10 minutes walk from course, limited shower facilities. No toilets on course, use Ashton Playing Fields.
Refreshments – Light refreshments throughout the day in the WGEL clubhouse at Ashton Playing Fields. The club bar will be open after the final race.
Travel – Where possible, please use public transport, walk or cycle. If travelling by car, please car share to reduce the impact and check for restrictions that may be in effect in the area (Ultra Low Emission Zone for example). Please also park with consideration of others, especially if using on-street parking. The league and/or host club(s) do not warrant the accuracy of the information provided so take no responsibility for any fines or charges that may be levied.
Public transport – Woodford Underground Station (Central Line). Take trains with Loughton or Epping destination. 10 minute walk from station along Snakes Lane East to Ashton Playing Fields.
By Car – Use the A406 eastbound /M11 northbound junction and branch left onto A1400 signposted Gants Hill and then A113 at roundabout signposted Chigwell onto Chigwell Road. Ashton Playing Fields IG8 8AA is 800 metres away.
Claybury is outside the Ultra Low Emmission Zone, this is a Link to the map showing the new Ultra Low Emmission Zone, which is in Green – ulez-boundary-map-part-2
Link to check if your car is chargeable for the ULEZ – https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/check-your-vehicle/
Parking – Approximately 150 spaces at Ashton Playing Fields (IG8 8AA). Parking in the vicinity of Claybury Park is impossible or extremely limited. Please look out for any restrictions and do not block access to any properties. There is virtually no parking in the Roding Lane North area because of residential parking. You are advised to park at Ashton Playing Fields and make the 10 minute walk to the course. You MUST NOT park on the grass triangle in Roding Lane North so as to avoid confrontation with residents. Any inconsiderate parking could jeopardise the future of the races.
To walk to the course from Ashton Playing Fields, take Gaynes Hill Road (opposite) to Roding Lane North (10 Minutes).
Course Details – Parkland setting , undulating course, with one steep climb on each large lap on grass and woodland paths. On certain sections the course width is limited.
The timetable is approximate and subject to change without notice where necessary. Please plan to arrive early and listen for any announcements. The timetable is approximate and subject to change without notice where necessary. Please plan to arrive early and listen for any announcements. Care is required particularly in the senior men’s race on the narrow downhill start.
Map of Course – Awaiting to be published.
Timetable – 12.00 Under 11 Boys/Girls Over 9 (1.5km), 12.10 Under 13 Boys (3km), 12.20 Under 13 Girls (3km), 12.30 Under 15 Boys  and Under 17 Men (4.2km), 12.45 Under 15 Girls and Under 17 Women (4.2km), 13.00 Under 20, Senior and Veteran Women (8.1km), 13.45 Under 20, Senior and Veteran Men (8.1km).
Note: You do not have to be pre-entered, just turn up and run.
Please collect your race numbers from the respective team managers – SIMON KEENE
JEREMY SOTHCOTT or JO KENT

Information as published on the Metropolitan League web site – Race 1 – Claybury – 14-10-2023
Please go to Metropolitan League web site www.metleague.co.uk for final information.

Information above to be updated, as it is for the 2023 fixture.

START FITNESS METROPOLITAN LEAGUE RACE NUMBERS – I have been asked to remind you that your race number must be kept by yourselves, and is to be used for all 5 fixtures.

START FITNESS METROPOLITAN LEAGUE WINTER POINTS CHAMPIONSHIPS – This race is 1 of the fixtures that count in the winter points championships.

SOUTHERN CROSS COUNTRY RELAYS – Takes place on Saturday 19 October at Wormwood Scrubs, Linford Christie Stadium, Du Cane Road (SatNav W12 0DF). Enter main car park off Du Cane Road (via Artillery Lane), through 6’6” height/width barrier. Extra parking will be available in the enclosed/fenced hospital parking area. Parking is free in all areas at the week-end.
Wormwood Scrubs is within the Ultra Low Emmission Zone, this is a Link to the map showing the new Ultra Low Emmission Zone, which is in Green –
Link to check if your car is chargeable for the ULEZ – https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/check-your-vehicle/
Timetable – 11.00 U17 & U20 Women (3 x 3km), 11.30 U17 & U20 Men (3 x 3km), 12.10 U13 Girls (3 x 2km), 12.40 U13 Boys (3 x 2km), 13.10 U15 Girls (3 x 2km), 13.35 U15 Boys (3 x 2km), 14.00 Senior Women (3 x 3km), 14.30 Senior Men (4 x 4km).
Entries Closing Date Friday 6 October
Note: You will have to be pre-entered by your respective Team Manager
Awaiting details from the SEAA website, the above information is based on the 2023 fixture

NORTH LONDON CHAMPIONSHIPS – Takes place on Saturday 26 October (Date and Venue to be confirmed).
Age-groups U20, Senior and Masters.
Timetable – 13.30 Senior Women (8000m), 14.15 Senior Men (8000m).
Entries Closing Date TBC
Note: You will have to be pre-entered by your respective Team Manager

ATHLETICS AT SCOTSTOUN AS GLASGOW HOLDS 2026 COMMONWEALTH GAMES – The following article was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently. Photograph taken by MARK SHEARMAN.

Scottish city steps into replace Victoria as host of a scaled down championships in two years’ time. Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow will be the centrepiece of the Commonwealth Games in 2026 after the city agreed to host the event. This follows the Australian state of Victoria pulling out of hosting it due to rising costs. Glasgow last held the Games in 2014 – an event which proved a big success – and Scotland has also held the Games in Edinburgh in 1970 and 1986.

The most recent Games were staged in Birmingham, England, two years ago. Australia has promised “a multi-million pound investment” to help finalise the deal with Commonwealth Games Australia having written to the Commonwealth Games Federation to officially back a “a scaled back, but high-quality” event which will see see 10 sports take place across four venues in the city.

IAN REID, chairman of Commonwealth Games Scotland, said: “We have been clear from the outset that our Games concept for Glasgow 2026 aligns with the CGF’s strategy to make the Games more accessible for future hosts, whilst ensuring that public funds are not required. “Glasgow is one of the few cities in the Commonwealth that can deliver on time given its world-class facilities, experienced workforce and strong supply chain. “This is a really exciting opportunity and we will be working hard over the coming days to bring the final pieces of the puzzle together.” Organisers say the Games will come at no cost to the public, with funding coming from compensation paid to the CGF after Australia pulled out. However the UK Government will provide financial support in the event of any increased security threat.

CGF President CHRIS JENKINS said: “We have been working with Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) and the Scottish Government for several months and are delighted to hear CGS has received confirmation of support from the Government to enable them to progress with their proposal to host the Games in 2026. “At the heart of our discussions has been an investment of £100 million from the CGF and the commitment that Glasgow 2026 would not require financial underwriting from either the Scottish or UK Governments. The additional generous contribution of around £2.3 million from Commonwealth Games Australia to the Glasgow concept will further enhance the Games delivery and is a strong sign of the support and excitement for the concept within the wider Commonwealth Games Movement. We believe Glasgow 2026 will be an important first step in our commitment to reset and reframe the Commonwealth Games as a co-created, sustainable model that minimises costs, inspires athletes, and excites Hosts and International Federations. “We will work closely with CGS to positively conclude final stakeholder discussions with the aim of formally announcing Glasgow as the host city for 2026 as soon as possible.”

SEB COE ENTERS RACE TO BECOME IOC PRESIDENT – The following article was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently.

World Athletics president is up against six rivals when it comes to succeeding International Olympic Committee president THOMAS BACH in March. SEBASTIAN COE says he is “excited and honoured” to run for the presidency of the IOC in 2025. With THOMAS BACH stepping down, COE is one of seven candidates. COE said: “I’m excited and honoured to share with you that I’ll be running for the Presidency of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as announced by the IOC a short while ago. “Olympic sport is fundamental to my DNA. I had the privilege of being a double Olympic Champion, I’ve chaired an Olympic and Paralympic Games – London 2012 – from bid, through delivery and legacy implementation, I’ve chaired a National Olympic Committee, the BOA, and I’ve led an international federation through some turbulent times, retaining athletics’ position as a cornerstone of the Olympic Games.

“Sport plays a critical role in driving and maintaining the health and fitness of people, young and old, in every country around the world. But it faces significant challenges on multiple fronts. “The Covid years saw many people struggle through inactivity and many sports organisations suffer through lack of funds. We need to invest more in both over the next decade. “A laser like focus on sport must be the priority for the IOC. I believe I can help achieve this and more. “I’ll release a detailed manifesto in the coming weeks so the voting members are able to understand what I stand for and believe in.”

The other candidates include: DAVID LAPPARTIENT, president of cycling’s governing body; MORINAN WATANABE, head of the gymnastics governing body; JOHAN ELIASCH, president of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation; KIRSTY COVENTRY, IOC executive board member and former swimmer from Zimbabwe; PRINCE FEISAL AL HUSSEIN of Jordan; and JUAN ANTONIO SAMARANCH JR. of Spain, whose father was IOC president for 21 years. Only IOC members are eligible to stand as candidates, with votes cast by the rest of the 111-strong membership of the Olympic body.

MAKING SENSE OF THE TRACK AND FIELD FAME GAME – The following article was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently.

Sprint hurdler GRANT HOLLOWAY ticks all the boxes so why isn’t he a household name? It’s hard to find an athlete who is enjoying as much success right now than GRANT HOLLOWAY. In Paris he added Olympic 110m hurdles gold to the three world titles he won in Doha 2019, Eugene 2022 and Budapest 2023. Aged 26, he holds the world indoor 60m hurdles record and ARIES MERRITT’S outdoor mark of (12.80) is seemingly within his grasp. Articulate and engaging, he appears to be the complete athlete – a sponsor’s dream – but he doesn’t feel like one. “The USATF doesn’t want my talent. I’m like the lost kid on Toy Story,” he said in Paris, soon after winning Olympic gold. “I get thrown in a corner and I’m lost for six months.” HOLLOWAY believes he is excels in one of the hardest events in athletics (no one owns more sub-13-second performances over 110m hurdles) and he adds: “I think I’m one of the top five athletes in this sport and yet I get treated lesser than (that). I’m the one winning world titles day in, day out but I don’t have a watch deal. I put USA on the map and make things happen but I don’t get some of the sponsorships that some athletes do who haven’t done what I’ve done.” HOLLOWAY was speaking little over an hour or two after winning Olympic gold, too. “I think I have the full package… personality… I know how to talk. But I just think they (USATF) put their energy elsewhere and I think it’s unfair. But,” he sighed, “I play the hand I’m dealt.” In a sport of many sports, one of athletics’ great injustices is that some athletes are able to earn more money and gain more fame than others.

Similar to HOLLOWAY, I think of MILTIADIS TENTOGLOU, the Greek long jumper who has won the last two Olympic titles and is reigning and multiple world indoor and outdoor and European indoor and outdoor champion. Or how about NAFI THIAM, the Belgian heptathlete who won her third consecutive Olympic title in Paris and yet is rarely mentioned in the same breath as, say, MONDO DUPLANTIS, NAOH LYLES, SHA’CARRI RICHARDSON and SYDNEY MCLAUGHLIN-LEVRONE as one of the sport’s global superstars. “THIAM is an utter phenomenon,” the Guardian reported during the Paris Games. “Were she American, she would be one of the most famous athletes on the planet.” As HOLLOWAY would agree, being American doesn’t necessarily guarantee success. If anything, athletes in the United States team probably have to fight harder than most to make a name for themselves in a squad packed with Olympic medallists. On the flipside, I’d argue there is much to be said for representing a much smaller country. The population of Olympic triple jump champion THEA LAFOND’S home of Dominica, for example, is roughly the same size as the number of spectators in the Stade de France when she won gold on August 3. Yet you can guarantee every single person from Dominica will know her and she is certain to inherit the keys to her island after becoming the nation’s first Olympic champion.

Similarly, LETSITE TEBOGO was swamped with fans when he landed home in Botswana after the Games. Like LAFOND, the Olympic 200m champion will be a household name in his southern African nation. HOLLOWAY, meanwhile, has a much larger challenge when it comes making a name for himself in the US sporting world. “I think it definitely helps when you’re country is backing you,” HOLLOWAY told AW when this was put to him at the Zurich Diamond League this month. “The United States has so many great athletes.” Nationality aside, another big factor is surely the event you specialise in. The 100m, mile and the marathon are known as the ‘glamour events’. In comparison, HOLLOWAY’S sprint hurdles isn’t the most popular. But the athletics fame game is riddled with unofficial rules like this being broken. MCLAUGHLIN-LEVRONE and athletes like KARTSEN WARHOLM and FEMKE BOL have managed to become pretty well known, of course, despite specialising in the 400m hurdles.

There are no doubt some field eventers reading this, too, who will think “HOLLOWAY should try being a thrower”. Some athletes in those disciplines, such as shot put world record-holder RYAN CROUSER, have become pretty well known, but generally they struggle compare to track athletes. Not all track athletes are equal either. Phenomenally fast distance runners from east Africa, for instance, often go about their business in relative anonymity, whereas runners from the Western world who are particularly active on social media are able to gain more sponsorship deals despite being much slower than their African counterparts. “Instead of waiting for opportunities, you’ve got to go and make them for yourself,” HOLLOWAY says. “That’s one thing this sport has taught me over my five or six years in it. “If I waited for opportunities to come, I’d be waiting until the end of my career. “I’ve just got to be who I am, be a trailblazer and make my own opportunities. So instead of playing the waiting game, I want to put myself in the driving seat.” The athletics fame game is a complicated jigsaw of factors. Sometimes, in the case of Holloway, there is little rhyme or reason why an athlete hasn’t reached the level of fame that we might expect. Maybe his time will come. Although, as he says, he will probably have to create it himself.

 Contrasting fortunes for GB age-group athletes at world champs – Following British athletics’ best medal tally in Paris since the Los Angeles Games of 1984, there have been mixed fortunes for age-group athletes. At the World Masters Champs in Gothenburg, Britain won an incredible 187 medals. Of course there are far more medal opportunities due to multiple age group categories, but nevertheless it’s a huge success and placed the Brits third on the medals table behind United States and Germany. At the recent World Under-20 Championships in Lima, however, the Brits won just one silver and three bronze medals (placing 24th on the medals table), making it the first time since 2004 where the team went home without a gold. Cause for concern when it comes to LA 2028 and beyond?

 An English National in September!? – Good luck to athletes and organisers at the rescheduled English National Cross Country Championships at Weston Park on Saturday (Sept 14). The historic event was cancelled in February due to flooding on the car parks and the English Cross Country Association was faced with the tricky decision of whether to reschedule for an unusual time of year, or simply abandon the idea of having a championships in 2024. I think they made the right decision and hopefully clubs will support it by turning up to battle for honours in what remains one of the greatest cross-country races in the world.

ENGLAND ATHLETICS THROWS COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER – Just received the August issue from NICK RIDGEON of England Athletics – EA Throws Newsletter August 2024

SHAFTESBURY BARNET HARRIERS ON INSTAGRAM – Since the account was setup, there has been an amazing amount of Videos and Photographs contributed with many comments. There are no posts this week.

SHAFTESBURY BARNET HARRIERS NEW INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT– Many thanks to SEAN SUTHERLAND who undertook a review on the best way forward, following this a decision was made to set up a new account, and SEAN has now set that account up.

THE FOLLOWING IS CLUB INFORMATION ON VARIOUS TOPICS

SBH 2024-2025 WINTER FIXTURE CARD – The SBH 2024-2025 Winter Fixture Card and Information Sheet is now available on the SBH Website. Please access these and print a copy for your reference. Link to the Fixture Card and Information Sheet – https://sbharriers.co.uk/fixtures-results/fixture-cards/
Document explaining what is contained on the Fixture Card and Information Sheet – SBH 2024-2025 Winter Fixture Card – Information on Front Sheet, Fixtures And Information Sheet
Any changes/information will be published in the SBH Weekly Newsletter as and when available, this is the link to the current and previous SBH Weekly Newsletter – https://sbharriers.co.uk/news/

SBH 2024-2025 CROSS COUNTRY POINTS RACES – Take place throughout the season, these are races that are available to run.
Under 11 Boys and Girls – All 5 Metropolitan League fixtures, plus Hertfordshire or Middlesex Championships. Best 4 out of 6 results to count.
Under 13, Under 15, Under 17, Under 20, Senior and Masters Men and Women – All 5 Metropolitan League fixtures, plus Southern and National. Best 5 out of 7 results to count.
Updated points tables will be published in the SBH Weekly Newsletter and Website, following each fixture.

SBH 2024-2025 CROSS COUNTRY CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP RACES – Take place throughout the season, these are races that are available to run.
Under 11 Boys and Girls – Metropolitan League on 11 January at Welwyn Garden City.
Under 20 Men, 5 Miles Senior Men and Masters Men 40+ – Metropolitan League on 30 November at Uxbridge.
Under 13, Under 15, Under 17, and 9 Miles Senior Men – Southern Championships on 25 January at Beckenham.
Under 13, Under 15, Under 17, Under 20, Senior and Masters 40+ Women – Southern Championships on 25 January at Beckenham.
Updated document of winners will be published in the SBH Weekly Newsletter and Website, following each fixture.

STONEX STADIUM MEMBERSHIP – To use the StoneX Stadium facilities for training, SBH members are required to pay a fee. You can register as a member (which is free) which then entitles you to a discount. This is the link to the form to apply for membership – SBH StoneX Membership 2024-2025  The entrance fee on the membership form, cover the period 1 May 2024 to 30 April 2025.

JAMIE BATH MEMBERS MASSAGE SERVICE – Since joining SBH he has been working closely with TY HOLDEN in his quest for Athlete and Athletics Development. To help support the club members he has (with the club’s support) set up a Members Massage Service available on club nights at a small charge of £15 (as compared to outside masseurs who charge £60) to simply cover materials and insurance.
Please contact JAMIE at jamiebath@live.co.uk or text him on 07902 592561. You can also see him on training nights for availability.

GEORGE HARRISON MBE MEMORIAL DOCUMENT – The document has been put together with contributors from LISA WEBB, MARTIN ROCHFORD, NADEEM SHAIKH, RACHEL FELTON, LIAM and JAMIE DEE, JAMES LOVELL, EMILIA ECONOMU, ALAN WELLER,  KAREN HARRISON,  TIM UNDERHILL, GLEN WATTS, JOANNA WINFIELD, SHAUN CLIFFORD and EUAN MACKENZIE – Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers Memorial To George Harrison From Friends And Members 20 April 2023
If you wish to contribute your own memories and/or photographs of GEORGE, please email them to me, either within the email or as a separate attached word document.

CODES OF CONDUCT – SBH have now adopted the UK Athletics (UKA) and the Home Country Athletics Federations (HCAF) Codes of Conduct which set out national standards of conduct for all clubs, coaches, officials, volunteers and athletes in the sport.  The purpose of the codes are to clarify what behaviours are acceptable and unacceptable, the standards of practice expected and the basis for challenging and improving practice.  The Codes are similar to our previous Codes of Conduct which were part of the previous ClubMark scheme.  All club member and anyone undertaking a relevant role must agree to abide by the codes of conduct. The Codes of Conduct have now been put onto our Website, please read these to understand the commitments you are making by being a member of SBH.
Link to the Code of Conduct document – Codes Of Conduct Booklet 2021 (1)

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION OF INTEREST CAN BE FOUND ON THE SBH WEBSITE BY USING THIS LINK – http://sbharriers.co.uk/
Section ‘About Us’, includes Annual Reports, Best Performance Trophy Awards, Individual And Relay Best Performances By Year, Club Records and SBH All-Time Top 10 T&F Performances.
Section ‘Team Managers And Competitions’, shows details of Track & Field, Cross Country and Road Relays Team Managers.
Section ‘Future Information/Results’, includes Information On Each Fixture, Summer & Winter Fixture Cards, Winter X/C Points Tables and Winter Club Championships Winners.

SHAFTESBURY BARNET HARRIERS NEW CLUB KIT – They are now available to purchase from our club kit supplier, Supreme Sports – click on the link for the full range – https://www.supreme-sports.co.uk/webshop/schools-and-clubs/shaftesbury-barnet-harriers/
By opening the link, you will be on the front page, which displays the men’s items. Click on SBH LADIES for the women’s items, or click on SBH KIDS for the young athletes’ items.

CLUB HOODIES– With well over eight hundred hoodies already in circulation, this is your opportunity to join the club. The bright red hoody is made to order and has your name embroidered on the front along with the club badge and has the Club name on the back. We now have 2 styles, the original pull over style at £37 + P&P or the new one with a full zip at £40 + P&P.
Here is the link to the Supreme Sports website which if you click on it, will take YOU to the new Club Hoody and allow you to then view the full range of Club kit online – https://www.supreme-sports.co.uk/webshop/schools-and-clubs/shaftesbury-barnet-harriers/

ACCESS TO SBH CLUBHOUSE – The new Keyholders to the outside door are TY HOLDEN, CLYDE GORDON, NEVILLE THOMPSON, GREG THOMPSON, COLIN GODFREY and YAMILLE ALDAMA who all use the Clubhouse outside of normal stadium opening hours. GEOFF MORPHITIS and DAVE BEDFORD will also have a key. All other key fob holders can continue to gain access to the clubhouse via the (New) West Stand Entrance and the Trackside Door to the Clubhouse.
Link to note and details for further information – SBH Club House Door 20-01-23

PHOTOGRAPH’S – From time to time we have photographs of our members taken at meetings or presentations which we would like to use both on the website or incorporated within our report to our local newspaper. Can you please let me know if you do NOT want your photograph to be published. Also, I would appreciate if you could send me any photographs, which I can then publish on the website and newsletter.

FACEBOOK – Photographs can be found on the SBH page.

CAN YOU HELP PLEASE – I would welcome any contributions From Yourselves, any impending marriages, or additions to the family, any running or competing incidents, also past warm weather training/holidays (No Club 24 please). Currently the response has been excellent, but if you have anything that could make it into next week’s Newsletter – please email me.

CURRENT DISTRIBUTION OF SHAFTESBURY INFORMATION – Currently I notify members (by email) using “MailChimp”. The reason I changed, was in November 2017 “Gmail” put a limit of 100 addresses that users could send to in a 24-hour period, and currently I send to approximately 850 members each issue.

On seeking technical advice “MailChimp” was recommended as the best way for SBH to go forward. There is one thing you should be aware off is that when you receive an email from me, the footer at the bottom has 4 options, of which one is “Unsubscribe Me From List”. Could I ask you not to select this as if you do you will be automatically removed from my distribution list.

SBH MIDWEEK POLE VAULT CLUB AT STONEX STADIUM – The current arrangements until further notice are that Pole Vault training is on Monday’s and Wednesday’s from 18.30pm to 21.00pm. Please contact the session administrator CLYDE GORDON at clydeg67@hotmail.co.uk in advance and let him know if you are planning to attend.

SBH HIGH JUMPS GROUP AT STONEX STADIUM – High Jump training takes place on Monday’s from 19.00pm to 21.00pm. These sessions will be run by our High Jump Coach GRANT BROWN. There will be a charge of £10 per session.
Please contact the session administrator CLYDE GORDON at clydeg67@hotmail.co.uk in advance and let him know if you are planning to attend

SBH TRAINING AND COACHING – Please see the 2024 Summer Fixture Card, which gives full details of Training and Coaching – A SBH Summer 2024 Fixture Card Front Sheet Re-Issued 10-03-24

POLE VAULTERS REQUIRED FOR 2024 – To all athletes young & old – are you aware of the SBH Pole Vault sessions held at StoneX Stadium on Monday & Wednesday evenings from 18.30pm. We have room to coach more of you, why not come along and watch a session and the get involved – give it a try NOW.
Please contact the session administrator CLYDE GORDON at clydeg67@hotmail.co.uk for more details.

STEEPLECHASE TRAINING AT STONEX STADIUM – Check with your Coach for details of training times.

SBH PRIVACY STATEMENT – In becoming a member, SBH will collect certain information about you. Can you please read the attached ‘Privacy Statement’ which contains Information on General Data Protection Regulations – SBH Privacy Statement Final April 2018

STONEX STADIUM – Main Switchboard telephone number is 020 3675 7250.

STONEX STADIUM AWARDED TRACKMARK STANDARD – Congratulations on achieving the UK Athletics Quality Assurance Standards for StoneX Stadium. This is the letter from UK Athletics and certificate showing all area that achieved compliance – StoneX Stadium Award Letter 09.11.21StoneX Stadium Certificate

ALAN WELLER – SBH NEWSLETTER EDITOR AND WEBSITE MANAGER