Happy Birthday from this Thursday 26 May to Raphael Aaron, Dick Bober, Shermia Edwards, Andrew Elkins, Alex Evelegh, Richard Horton, Ashok Mathur, Harriet Molliison, Sophia Obi, Maayan Radus, Nicola Rogers and Sophia Staab

RECENT NEW MEMBERS –We wish you a very warm welcome, and a happy, healthy and successful time with Shaftesbury to GEORGINA CHRISTOPHOROU, LORCAN FARRELL, JANIYA GEORGE, JAY HERBERT, YIANNAKI KAPONI, ROAN PARKES and ROBERTO RONCARATI

COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIPS – Update on the final results, congratulations to OLIVER GRAHAM U23 won the Shot, Discus and Hammer at the Suffolk Championships.

SHAFTESBURY BARNET HARRIERS SUBSCRIPTIONS – SBH Treasurer GEOFF MORPHITIS has sent me the following request.
Our new Club year started on 1 October 2021. The SBH annual subscriptions is £50 and the current England Athletics annual registration is £16 from 1 April 2022. The total is £66 and should now be paid NOW to; ACCOUNT NAME: SHAFTESBURY BARNET HARRIERS, BANK: 41308378, SORT CODE: 400426 – Please let me know when payment is made. Thanks GEOFF

RESULTS
MIDDLESEX YOUNG ATHLETES LEAGUE – Took place at Finsbury Park on 21 May
Awaiting Results to be published. 

LOUGHBOROUGH INTERNATIONAL – Took place at Loughborough on 22 May
100m – SM KRISHAWN AIKEN (Scotland) 5th (SB 10.56 w1.6), Non Scoring 3 ALEX BEECHEY (2nd Claim) 6th (10.81 w1.1)
100m – SW ALANNAH FASHANU U23 (National Athletic League) 4th (11.62 w1.6), EVE WRIGHT U23 (England) 6th (11.77 w1.6), Non Scoring 3 REBECCA JEGGO U23 (HCA) 3rd (SB 11.75 w0.8) and is ranked UK No.8 U23 in 2022
200m – SM Non Scoring 2 JORDAN WATSON-BROWN 5th (SB 21.29 w0.7) taking .13 of a second off his 22 January time, ALEX BEECHEY (2nd Claim) 7th (21.55 w0.7), 3 GERALD MATTHEW 1st (SB 21.68 w0.7) taking .14 of a second off his 7 May time
200m – SW ALANNAH FASHANU U23 (National Athletic League) 4th (23.84 w1.6), EVE WRIGHT U23 (England) 6th (11.77 w1.6), Non Scoring 1 REBECCA JEGGO U23 (HCA) 6th (SB 24.20 w0.6) taking .03 of a second off her 27 February time, HANNAH FOSTER U23 7th (24.26 w0.6)
400m – SM Non Scoring 2 ROBERT SHIPLEY (HCA) 4th (SB 48.49) taking .21 of a second off his 15 January time, 3 COLUMBA BLANGO T20/F20 4th (49.01)
400m – SW LILY BECKFORD (England) 1st (53.20)
800m – SM SAM WIGGINS U23 (Loughborough University) 4th (1:51.62)
1500m – SW Non Scoring SCARLETT KENT U23 10th (PB 4:47.19) taking 5.15 seconds off her 4 May time
100m Hurdles – SW JESSICA HUNTER 2nd (PB 13.26 w0.3) taking .04 of a second off her 2018 time, and is ranked UK No.2 in 2022, MARLI JESSOP U20 (GB&NI U20) 7th (13.74 w0.3), Non Scoring 2 JESSICA finished 1st (13.3 w2.5)
110m Hurdles – SM EDSON GOMES (National Athletic League) 3rd (SB 14.02 w0.8) equalling his 7 May time, and is ranked UK No.6 in 2022
400m Hurdles – SM JOSHUA FAULDS U23 (National Athletic League) 2nd (PB 50.33) taking .51 of a second off his 2021 time, and is ranked UK No.2 U23 in 2022
400m Hurdles – SW HAYLEY MCLEAN (England) 1st (SB 57.08) taking .14 of a second off her 7 May time, and is ranked UK No.3 in 2022
4x100m Relay – SM 1st England (SB 39.97) and is ranked UK No.3 team in 2022, 2nd GB&NI U20 “A” Team (SB 40.03) and is ranked UK No.1 U20 team in 2022, 3rd National Athletic League (40.43), 4th GB&NI U20 “B” Team (40.73)
4x100m Relay – SW 1st England (SB 46.22) and is ranked UK No.4 Team in 2022, 2nd National Athletic League (46.89), 3rd Loughborough University (SB 48.20) taking 4.97 second off their 1 May time, 4th Wales (48.31)
4x400m Relay – SM 1st Loughborough University “A” Team (3:06.44), 2nd Ireland (PB 3:06.55), 3rd England (SB 3:09.58) and is ranked UK No.1 team in 2022, 4th National Athletic League (3:09.91), 5th Wales (SB 3:10.10) and is ranked UK No.4 team in 2022,  6th Loughborough University “B” Team (3:12.51), 7th GB&NI (3:16.75)
4x400m Relay – SW 1st England (SB 3:36.90) and is ranked UK No.3 team in 2022, 2nd Loughborough University (SB 340.12) taking 1.94 seconds off their 2 May time, and is ranked UK No.4 team in 2022, 3rd GB&NI U20 (SB 3:40.45) and is ranked UK No.1 U20 team in 2022, 4th Wales (SB 3:42.65) and is ranked UK No.8 team in 2022, 5th National Athletic League (3:43.10)
High Jump – SM DAVID SMITH (Scotland) 1st (2.19m), LEWIS MCGUIRE 5th (2.07m)
High Jump – SW CLAIRE MCGARVEY U23 (Scotland) 6th Equal (1.70m)
Pole Vault – SW JADE IVE (England HCA) 6th (4.05m)
Long Jump – SM PAUL OGUN (Scotland HCA) 6th (7.21m w0.0)
Shot 7.26kg – SM ANGUS MCINROY V35 (Scotland) 6th (15.17m)
Discus 2kg – SM NICK PERCY (Scotland) 1st (63.02m), GREGORY THOMPSON (England) 2nd (56.80m)
Discus 1kg – SW JADE LALLY V35 (England) 1st (57.84m), SHADINE DUQUEMIN (National Athletic League) 2nd (SB 56.20m) adding 8cm to her 23 April put, and is ranked UK No.3 in 2022, AMY HOLDER (2nd Claim) 4th (SB 54.83m) adding 98cm to her 27 February put, and is ranked UK No.5 in 2022
Hammer 4kg – SW PHILIPPA DAVENALL 5th (60.38m), JESSICA CHARLIE BENNETT U20 (GB&NI U20 2nd Claim) 9th (54.78m)
Javelin 800g – SM DANIEL BAINBRIDGE (Loughborough University) 2nd (PB 74.73m) adding 1.00m to his 2021 throw, and is ranked UK No.3 in 2022
Apologies but trying to find the team match result has been a nightmare. 

DIAMOND LEAGUE – Took place at Birmingham 21 May
400m – SW LILY BECKFORD 4th (53.46)
800m – SM B KYLE LANGFORD 3rd (1:49.94)
800m – SW B ELLIE BAKER 3rd (SB 2:02.14) taking .06 of a second off her 6 May time, and is ranked UK No.8 in 2022
400m Hurdles – SW LINA NIELSEN 4th (55.40)
Discus 1kg – SW JADE LALLY V35 7th (57.90m)
Discus 2kg – SM NICK PERCY 6th (63.03m)

MEETING IBEROAMERICANO – Took place at Huelva, Spain on 25 May
Discus 2kg – SM NICK PERCY 1st (63.23m)

SOUTHERN ATHLETICS LEAGUE DIVISION 2E – Took place at Hemel Hempstead on 22 May
Shot 7.26kg – SM A JAMES HAMBLIN (HCA) 1st (SB 11.86m)
Hammer 7.26kg – SM A JAMES HAMBLIN (HCA) 1st (60.42m)

HALLESCHE WERFERTAGE – Took place at Halle, Germany on 21-23 May
Shot 7.26kg – SM SCOTT LINCOLN (HCA) 1st (SB 20.92m) adding 19cm to his 22 January put, and is ranked UK No.1 in 2022
Discus 2kg – SM ZANE DUQUEMIN 5th (57.54m)
Hammer 7.26kg – SM CHRIS BENNETT 3rd (72.62m)

DUVAL COUNTY CHALLENGE – Took place at Jacksonville, Florida, USA on 21 May
100m – SM 4 OJIE EDOBURUN 3rd (10.45 w-0.3)

TRACK NIGHT NYC – Took place at New York, New York, USA on 20 May
1500m – SM A LIAM DEE (Iona College) 7th (SB 3:43.67)
3000m Steeplechase – SW LIZZIE BIRD 1st (SB 9:30.57) and is ranked UK No.1 in 2022

NJCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS – Took place at Hutchinson, Kansas, USA on 19-21 May
Long Jump – SM BRAD DAVIES-PUGH U20 (Cloud County University) 8th (7.28m w2.1)

BMC GOLD STANDARD RACES – Took place at Watford on 18 May
800m – Men B THOMAS PATRICK U23 2nd (PB 1:52.55) taking .53 of a second off his 2019 time
800m – Women A PHILLIPA LOWE (HCA) 2nd (SB 2:06.6)

BMC REGIONAL RACES – Took place at Loughborough on 18 May
800m – Women D SCARLETT KENT U23 8th (SB 2:22.44) taking .43 of a second off her 20 April time

CHELMSFORD OPEN MEETING – Took place at Chelmsford on 18 May
1500m – SX EMILY HATHAWAY U20 3rd (SB 4:53.20)
110m Hurdles – U20M RUBEN HEDMAN U20 2nd (SB 14.68 w-2.0) taking .04 of a second off his 14 May time, and is ranked UK No.7 U20 in 2022 

WATFORD OPEN MEETING – Took place at Watford on 18 May
400m – SX 3 JOSHUA NAMIACH-OYEBOLA U23 5th (PB 52.50) taking 10.35 seconds of his 2016 time
800m – SX 6 MYA MAIRS-INGRAM U17 6th (SB 2:20.62) taking 3.90 seconds of her 20 April time, 7 RAPHAEL-AARON U20 1st (PB 2:19.02) taking 1.37 seconds of his 2021 time, NATASHA TANNER U20 7th (PB 2:23.51) taking .08 of a second of her 2021 time, 9 LARISSA WILSON U17 8th (PB 2:15.86) taking .49 of a second off her 14 May time, 11 MAX WINFIELD U20 1st (PB 2:01.62) taking 8.03 seconds of his 2021 time, JACOB CLEMENT U17 6th Equal (2:04.66), DANIEL BANYARD U17 9th (PB 2:04.94) taking 2.05 seconds of his 14 May time, 12 JOSHUA FISHER U20 3rd (PB 2:00.76) taking 7.19 seconds of his 2021 time, LEO RONCARATI U20 4th (SB 2:02.40) taking .49 of a second of his 6 February time, JONATHAN BOARDMAN U20 7th (SB 2:03.85) taking .66 of a second of his 14 May time, SAMUEL GREENSTEIN U20 8th (PB 2:04.22) taking 1.39 seconds of his 2020 time, 16 LUCA STUBBS U20 1st (PB 1:53.77) taking .76 of a second of his 20 April time

SUFFOLK COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIPS – Took place at Ipswich on 14-15 May
Shot 7.26kg – SM Straight Final OLIVER GRAHAM U23 won the Gold Medal (SB 10.84m)
Discus 2kg – SM Straight Final OLIVER GRAHAM U23 won the Gold Medal (PB 39.69m) adding 64cm to his 2021 throw
Hammer 7.26kg – SM Straight Final OLIVER GRAHAM U23 won the Gold Medal (58.71m)

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. 

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Arrow Valley on 21 May.
MARK COTTLE V35 5th (18.38) this was his 18th Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Cassiobury on 21 May.
TIM UNDERHILL V50 23rd (20.37) this was his 94th Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Hackney Marshes on 21 May.
BARRY CHISHOLM V60 230th (33.03) this was his 246th Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Irchester Country on 21 May.
TOM CAREY V35 14th (22.31) this was his 19th Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Oak Hill on 21 May.
STUART SINGER V60 33rd (21.54) this was his 331st Parkrun, BRADLEY SINGER 36th (22.02) this was his 179th Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Panshanger on 21 May.
RUSSELL DEVITT V70 180th (34.18) this was his 224th Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Riverside on 21 May.
MATTHEW ARMSTRONG V35 1st (16.29) this was his 10th Parkrun

PARKRUN 5K – Took place at Sunny Hill on 21 May.
LENARD MICHEL V50 6th (22.22) this was his 78th Parkrun, SHONA MICHEL V50 19th (27.29) this was her 63rd Parkrun

UPCOMING FIXTURES FOR THE NEXT 4 WEEKS, FOR THE PERIOD THURSDAY 26 MAY UNTIL WEDNESDAY 23 JUNE – The current 2022 Summer Fixture Card can be found on the SBH website – http://sbharriers.co.uk/fixtures-results/fixture-cards/ – also the contact details for all Team Managers can be found on the SBH website – http://sbharriers.co.uk/athletics/track-field/team-managers

UK YOUTH DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE PREMIER SOUTH ROUND 2 – The second fixture of four takes place on Saturday 28 May at the StoneX Stadium, Greenlands Lane, Hendon (Satnav NW4 1RL).
Age-Groups Under 17 & U20 Men/Women.
Link to the timetable – YDL UAG Timetables 2022
Note: You will have to be selected by your respective Team Manager 

ENGLAND SENIOR & U20 COMBINED EVENTS CHAMPIONSHIPS – Takes place on Saturday 28 May and Sunday 29 May in Birmingham, venue to be confirmed.
Age-Groups Under U20 & Senior Men/Women. For all entry details and full information please use this link
http://www.englandathletics.org/england-athletics/english-national-championships
Note: You will have to enter yourselves and pay the appropriate fee.

NATIONAL ATHLETIC LEAGUE ROUND 2 – The second of four fixtures takes place on Saturday 4 June at the Thames Valley Athletics Centre, Pococks Lane, Eton, Windsor (Satnav SL4 6HN).
Age-Groups Under U20 & Senior Men/Women. This is the link to the timetable – 2022-NAL-Timetable-OTF-2
Note: You will have to be selected by your Team Manager

EASTERN YOUNG ATHLETES LEAGUE ROUND 2  – The second of four fixtures takes place on Sunday 5 June at the Westminster Lodge athletic Track, Holywell Hill, St Albans (Satnav AL1 2DJ).
Age-Groups Under U13, U15 & U17 Men/Women.
Link to the timetable – http://eyal.org.uk/resource-downloads/ select 2022 6 club matches
Note: You will have to be selected by your Team Manager, Those athletes who wish to compete as a non-scorer, please contact your Team Manager no later than Thursday 3 June as the declarations have to be in on Friday 4 June

ENGLAND U17 & U15 COMBINED EVENTS CHAMPIONSHIPS – Takes place on Saturday 18 June and Sunday 19 June at the Beford International Athletic Stadium, Barkers Lane, Bedford (Satnav MK41 9SB).
Age-Groups Under U20 & Senior Men/Women. For all entry details and full information please use this link – https://www.englandathletics.org/athletics-and-running/england-competitions/national-championships/2022-championships-calendar-and-results/
Note: You will have to enter yourselves and pay the appropriate fee
Entries Closing Date Monday 23 May 

SOUTHERN U20 AND SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS – Takes place on Saturday 18 June and Sunday 19 June at the Chelmsford Athletic Centre, Salemo Way, Chelmsford (Satnav CM1 2EH).
Please Note: For all information, please use this link – http://www.seaa.org.uk/images/uploads/2022/2022Prospectus.pdf
Entries Closing Date Tuesday 7 June 

SOUTHERN U15/U17 3000m CHAMPIONSHIPS – Takes place on Sunday 19 June at the Chelmsford Athletic Centre, Salemo Way, Chelmsford (Satnav CM1 2EH).
Please Note: For all information, please use this link – http://www.seaa.org.uk/images/uploads/2022/2022Prospectus.pdf
Entries Closing Date Tuesday 7 June

UPCOMING SOUTHERN TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPONSHIPS – Have just been published on the SEAA website, and are as follows;
Under 20 and Senior Championships – Are on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 June at Chelmsford, closing date is Tuesday 7 June.
Under 15 and 17 3000m Championships – Are on Sunday 19 June at Chelmsford, closing date is Tuesday 7 June.
Under 20 and Senior Inter County Championships – Are on Saturday 9 July at Oxford, closing date is Tuesday 28 June. You will be selected by respective county.
Under 15, 17, 20 and Senior Combined Events Championships – Are on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 July at Oxford, closing date is Tuesday 12 July.
Under 13, 15 and 17 Championships – Are on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 August at Chelmsford, closing date is Tuesday 2 August.
Under 15 and 17 Inter County Championships – Are on Saturday 10 September at Oxford, closing date is Tuesday 30 August. You will be selected by respective county.

This is the link to the full SEAA prospectus, which gives full details of each championship – 2022 Southern Outdoor Track & Field Prospectus (2)

ART OF THE ATHLETE EXHIBITION IS UP AND RUNNING – The following article was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently.

ASHLEIGH SPILLIOPOULOU looks at the unique collection of art at the Zari Gallery in London this month. Have you ever felt defined by your sport? Many of us know our fellow athletes by their performances on the track, on the road or in the field but we may know little more about them beyond their sporting accolades. It was this sentiment that inspired GAVIN JOHNSON to devise an exhibition to showcase the artistic talents of track and field athletes. GAVIN, a highly accomplished javelin thrower and artist, recognised that there were numerous individuals within the track and field community who had hidden talents which they had not the opportunity to explore, develop or showcase. His own experience of returning to painting during the COVID-19 lockdown had led to his work being displayed in London’s Zari Gallery, a cultural hub which celebrates art which transcends borders and is inclusive of all mediums and artists. Having built up a strong rapport with the gallery’s founder, GEORGINA DHILLON, GAVIN pitched his idea for the exhibition which strongly aligned with the gallery’s values. The idea struck a chord with GEORGINA who agreed to help bring GAVIN’S vision into existence.

The exhibition’s purpose was to be multifaceted. First, it would offer athletes the opportunity to demonstrate another side of their personality and develop their identity outside of sport. Secondly, they could gain valuable experience of the exhibition process and earn some money from sales of their pieces. Third, members of the public would be able to buy artwork from some of the world’s most exciting athletics prospects and would also gain an insight into the people behind the performances. Finally, the exhibition would give back to the athletic community through the 30% of sales which is going to two charities who support athletes and coaches in their development towards international sporting success.

The first of the two charities is the RON PICKERING Memorial Fund, a charity set up in memory of RON PICKERING; a PE teacher, national athletics coach and prolific BBC commentator. Ron championed the development of young athletes into well rounded individuals as well as sport stars so this exhibition would have resonated closely with his vision. Each year, the charity offers small but significant grants to hundreds of young athletes based on an achievement and need basis. The other charity to partner with the exhibition is the LLOYD COWAN Bursary, set up in memory of LLOYD COWAN MBE, an exceptional coach and athlete in his own right who tragically lost his life to COVID-19 in January 2021. LLOYD firmly believed that no one with sporting potential should be held back due to lack of support or opportunity and as such the Bursary offers grants to coaches and unfunded athletes aged 16-23, for whom cost is a barrier to accessing developmental opportunities within athletics. After months of preparation by the gallery, artists and charities, ‘The Art of the Athlete’ opened its doors on May 9. The exhibition will run until Friday 27 May and in total it features 35 current and former athletes. Within the group there are multiple established artists, including ROALD BRADSTOCK and GAVIN JOHNSON, who have a wealth of experience in the exhibition process. BRADSTOCK is in fact known as the ‘Olympic Picasso’ as the only three time Olympian-artist. In the same breath, there are numerous athletes who are having their artwork displayed publicly for the first time. For these athletes the exhibition represents a highly valuable learning experience and they have been supported throughout the process by the gallery founder, GEORGINA, who has dedicated copious amounts of time to guiding them throughout the journey.

Amongst them is Olympic 800m silver medallist, KEELY HODGKINSON, who works with paint, ink and wash amongst other mediums to create vibrant artwork on paper. KEELY has been supported by the RON PICKERING Memorial Fund since she was 15, bringing a new level of sentimentality to her inclusion in the exhibition. Also amongst the artists is Welsh discus thrower, HARRISON WALSH. A Para European bronze medallist and Tokyo Paralympian, HARRISON’S athletic prowess is obvious to see. Less widely known, however, are his artistic capabilities. Aged 26, HARRISON aspires to be a full-time artist and he has worked with a pen to create exquisite portraits of ROGER BANNISTER and KELLY HOLMES in celebration for the “The Art of the Athlete” exhibition. His hope is that the exposure he gains through the exhibition could be a stepping stone on to further artistic opportunities. Across the artists in the exhibition, there are an eclectic mix of mediums, sizes and styles of art. From acrylic paintings to photography and from bright colours to monotone, there is something to suit a wide array of tastes. For some of the artists, inspiration has been drawn from the sporting world with images of notable athletes as well as abstract capturings of runners, jumpers and throwers. For others, their subjects stray entirely from sport, with beautiful portraiture, landscapes and patterns on display. It is a true celebration of diversity in style and skill. Many of the athlete-artists have been expressing their excitement on social media and you can follow many of their journeys on Instagram and Twitter. A list of all those involved can be found here:

ABIGAIL BIRCH, ANTHONY FAMIGLETTI, BETHANY FOSTER, BRENDAN REILLY, CALUM HENDERSON, CARMEN NEAT, CATHY COLEMAN, CHRIS WALSH, CHRISTOPHER CARTER, EDWARD JOYCE, ELLEN BARBER, EMILY KEARNEY, GAVIN JOHNSON, GEMMA BRIDGE, GRACE COPELAND, HANNAH MACAULAY, HARRISON WALSH, JACK SMALL, JOHN HERBERT, KEELY HODGKINSON, KESTER WELCH, LISA WEBB, MARLI JESSOP, MICHAEL GRANVILLE, NAOMI METGER, NICHOLAS CORNERFORD, REBECCA EGGELING, ROALD BRADSTOCK, SOPHIE KAMLISH, TINA FOUGLER, VICTORIA OHURUOGU, WILL OYOWE.

THE SKY’S THE LIMIT FOR ALEXANDER THE GREAT – The following article was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently. Photograph by MARK SHEARMAN.

Splendid new stadium in Birmingham is capable of staging European and world championships but where will this leave London? The Müller Birmingham Diamond League was peppered with world-class performances but the biggest winner was the venue itself. For many people, Saturday was the first time they had visited the Alexander Stadium since its redevelopment and they were shocked – and in most cases delighted – by the scale of the transformation. Barely any traces of the old Alexander Stadium remain. In some ways the new arena even feels more like the London Stadium with its grey and white structures and concourses.

Don’t take my word for it. “The stadium is really beautiful and I’m really proud of the way they’ve built it,” said DINA ASHER-SMITH. “It doesn’t even feel like the old Alexander Stadium. It almost feels like we’re in somewhere like Zurich at one of the fancy ones! So I think it’s going to be an amazing Commonwealth Games.” With ASHER-SMITH winning the women’s 100m on Saturday in a mere (11.11) and the men’s race won by AARON BROWN of Canada in just (10.13), a theory escalated during the Diamond League that the track is slow. This follows reports in the media that Commonwealth Games organisers have installed a track that is not as expensive as those used at global championships such as the upcoming World Championships in Eugene. The modest times were probably as much due to the cool and breezy weather, though. Certainly the athletes felt the track was fine and they loved the stadium generally. ISSY BOFFEY, winner of the 800m B race on Saturday, said: “The track and atmosphere is insane … the track is quick!” Australian OLLI HOARE, who finished third in the men’s 1500m, added that he felt the tracks in Eugene and Birmingham were the same and that the only difference on race day would be the weather. DAVID WEIR, the wheelchair racing legend, said: “It was entirely different to when I raced here many moons ago. The stadium is amazing – it feels really new. It will bed in soon.” In the field events the new arena accommodated some brilliant performances. MALAIKA MIHAMBO of Germany soared over seven metres in the women’s long jump, and Olympic women’s discus champion VALARIE ALLMAN also threw a decent distance, saying: “It’s been a few years since I’ve been to Birmingham and I am in awe of the facility, the crowd, everything, it is incredible and I can’t wait to come back again.”

Not everything was perfect on Saturday, of course. There were grumbles from spectators being forced to use public transport or taxis to get to the arena because car parking in Perry Park was not allowed. There were also stories of cross wires and tension between the athletics governing bodies and the wider Birmingham 2022 body charged with overseeing the Games in July and August and who were, not surprisingly, using the Diamond League as a test event for the Games. Perry Barr is not the most salubrious area either. The nearest railway station, Perry Barr, is one mile away and the city centre itself is four miles away. Still, the splendid new stadium is worth making a minor trek to see. What’s more, it is certainly more impressive than the nearby Perry Barr greyhound stadium that Birchfield Harriers used as its home many years ago. Geographically, it is also nicely and centrally positioned on a national level. So could the new Alexander Stadium be the centrepiece of a bid to stage the European or World Championships? Bizarrely, Britain has never staged the European event in its entire 92-year history, whereas when it comes to global events the nation has developed a reputation of being a safe pair of hands following London 2012 and London 2017.

Some believe that big-time athletics belongs in the British capital city. Yet Crystal Palace remains in desperate need of redevelopment (the recent ITV series The Games successfully papered over the cracks but staging a ‘proper athletics meeting’ is a different ball game), whereas negotiations are ongoing when it comes to terminating the sport’s long-term deal with the London Stadium in exchange for a multi-million pound pay off. The latter is reminiscent of the £41m legacy funding ‘sweetener’ that UK Athletics was given after the Government reneged on its promise in 2001 to stage the IAAF World Championships at Lee Valley in north London. Certainly, if athletics walks away from the London Stadium in Stratford then it should be handsomely compensated with money that can be pumped into other areas of the sport. Ultimately it depends on whether a venue outside London can regularly draw in big crowds for Diamond League and national championships every summer. Historically the sport has struggled to do this. Look at Don Valley, for instance, a large arena built for the 1991 World University Games but demolished in 2013 because, among other things, athletics events simply struggled to fill it. Perhaps the answer is for Birmingham to become the home of an annual Diamond League, national championships and meetings like the English Schools Championships, with a street athletics event created for central London so at least the British capital enjoys a taste of the world’s No.1 sport for one or two days each summer.

SHAFTESBURY BARNET HARRIERS ON INSTAGRAM – Since the account was setup towards the end of last year, there has been an amazing amount of Video and Photographs contributed with many comments. There are the posts, following the photograph of TOM BUTLER after the Men’s Race 5 surrounded by well wishers,

Hertfordshire County Championships on 14-15 May – Under 15 Girls Pole Vault, ABIGAIL EDWARDS with her the Gold Medal (2.50m) which equalled the Hertfordshire record.

Middlesex County Championships on 14-15 May – Under 20 Men 1500m, JOSHUA FISHER with his Bronze Medal (PB 4:09.75).

Middlesex County Championships on 14-15 May – Under 20 Men 800m, JONATHAN BOARDMAN who won the Silver Medal (SB 2:04.51), JACOB CLEMENT who won the Gold Medal (PB 2:03.99), Under 20 Women 800m, NATASHA TANNER who won the Silver Medal (SB 2:26.21), Under 17 Women 800m, LARISSA WILSON who won the Bronze Medal (2:16.35).

Kent County Championships on 14-15 May – Under 20 Women Triple Jump, KACEY WALTERS who won the Gold Medal (PB 12.04 w2.2)

Watford Open Meeting on 18 May – Under 17 Women 800m MYA MAIRS-INGRAM who ran a seasons best (2:20.62), LARISSA WILSON who ran a personal best (2:15.86)

Middlesex Young Athletes League on 21 May – Many of our Girls enjoying the after match get together.

Middlesex Young Athletes League on 21 May – Many of our Boys enjoying the after match get together.

Stonex Stadium – Video of our sprinters traing on a very wet track.

BIRMINGHAM 2022 COMMONWEALTH GAMES – You may wish to sign up to receive their Newsletter. Link – https://www.birmingham2022.com/register-your-interest/. This is the link to the current schedule for the 25 events – https://images.birmingham2022.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/11441664_CWGs_Daily_Competition_Schedule_FINAL.pdf.