Happy Birthday from this Thursday 29 April to Kachi Akpawku, Christopher Castro-Neto, Henry McLuckie, Gregory Thompson, Sam Trueman, Tim Saunders-Mullins, Naomi Ogunniyi, Adam Shiret and Mark Taylor
REDEVELOPMENT OF THE EXISTING WEST STAND – RAYNER ROWEN CONSTRUCTION reported that the demolition phase was on track for completion 23 April. The main works are planned for completion on 6 May 2022. The next milestone is the first steel deliveries, commencing in June / July 2021.
This is the April edition of the Saracens/Rayner Rowen Newsletter – Saracens & Rayner Rowen Monthly Newsletter – April 2021
Photograph of West Stand prior to demolition, and at the bottom, as of April 2021.
LEE VALLEY OPEN MEETING FIXTURES MAY TO SEPTEMBER – The fixtures can be found on their website https://www.visitleevalley.org.uk/athletics-events
100m/200m Sprint Series – Wednesday 9 June (Closing date Sunday 6 June) and is open for entries.
LATEST RESULTS – This week’s results were outstanding, with a large contingent of our young sprinters at Dagenham and Lee Valley. Our jumpers and throwers produced 7 top 10 performances at Birmingham, Colchester, Coventry and Wimbledon. And at the BMC fixture in Birmingham, our 5 middle distance athletes produced 2 UK No.1 and 1 UK No.3 rankings in the 2 races.
There were no less than 46 personal bests, and 30 UK top 10 performances.
BE FIT TODAY TRACK ACADEMY OPEN MEETING – Took place in Dagenham on 25 April.
75m – U11B LANI JAIYEOLA U11 3rd (PB 10.77 w2.7)
75m – U11G 1 VERA DOUDKO U11 2nd (PB 11.53 w1.7), 2 ARU JAIYEOLA U11 1st (PB 11.73 w0.2)
100m – SX 2 SIENNA CORBYN U13 1st (PB 13.42 w3.4) taking .13 of a second off her 2020 time, 6 ANNA ROSE U17 7th (12.82 w2.6), 7 VANESSA ANSUAA U20 3rd (PB 12.69 w2.5) taking .22 of a second off her 2020 time, CHIYENNE ADRIEN U20 5th (SB 12.82 w2.5), 8 EVE WRIGHT U20 4th (SB 11.97 w4.6) taking .03 of a second off her 10 April time, HANNAH FOSTER U20 7th (SB 12.29 w4.6) taking .03 of a second off her 10 April time, 11 OLIVER LAURENS U15 1st (PB 12.15 w1.0) taking 1.86 seconds off his 2019 time, and is ranked UK No.4 U15 in 2021, JADEN AULIS U15 4th (PB 12.65 w1.0) taking .46 of a second off his18 April time, 13 JAYDEN KLEIN U17 5th (PB 12.33 w4.3) taking .07 of a second off his 18 April time, 14 MEKHI SPENCE-FORDE U17 2nd (PB 11.45 w3.3) taking .68 of a second off his 2019 time, OSCAR LAURENS U17 4th (PB 11.59 w3.3) taking .18 of a second off his 18 April time, 15 MALACHI AMADI U17 1st (SB 11.23 w1.8) and is ranked UK No.1 U17 in 2021, 20 EDSON GOMES 2nd (SB 11.06 w2.8), 22 ALEX BEECHEY (2nd Claim) 5th (SB 10.65 w4.4)
150m – SM 2 LANI JAIYEOLA U11 6th (PB 21.74 w3.2), 3 CALVIN SMITH U17 1st (PB 17.12 w0.4)
150m – SW 1 VERA DOUDKO U11 2nd (PB 23.00 w5.2), 2 ARU JAIYEOLA U11 3rd (PB 23.35 w5.2), 3 SIENNA CORBYN U13 1st (PB 20.63 w4.0) taking 2.97 seconds off her 2019 time
200m – SM 1 JADEN AULIS U15 2nd (PB 25.81 w4.0) taking 1.55 seconds off his 2020 time, 3 MEKHI SPENCE-FORDE U17 5 2nd (PB 23.94 w2.4) taking 1.06 seconds off his 2020 time, 5 JOSEPH PURBRICK U20 (2nd Claim) 4th (PB 22.67 w1.4) taking 1.71 seconds off his 2018 time, 6 ZANSON PLUMMER 4th (SB 21.92 w2.5)
200m – SW 4 ANNA ROSE U17 6th (PB 26.64 w2.8)
300m – SM 1 ZICO JONES U15 2nd (SB 37.68) and is ranked UK No.1 U15 in 2021
300m – SW 1 OLIVE HARVEY-DEW U15 1st (PB 45.75), 2 LOLA MCCANN-EZEKIEL U17 3rd (SB 44.78) taking .69 of a second off her 2019 time, LUCY MARCUS U17 4th (PB 47.64) taking 1.40 seconds off her 2020 time, 3 HANNAH FOSTER U20 1st (SB 40.61) and is ranked UK No.1 U20 in 2021, VANESSA ANSUAA U20 2nd (SB 42.85) and is ranked UK No.2 U20 in 2021
600m – SX 1 CALVIN SMITH U17 2nd (PB 1:27.57) taking 6.13 seconds off his 2019 time, and is ranked UK No.1 U17 in 2021
800m – SX 1 MAYA GREEN U13 8th (SB 2:56.85), 4 DANIEL BANYARD U17 6th (PB 2:19.30) taking 3.41 seconds off his 2020 time, DINA SILVERMAN U15 8th (PB 2:22.49) taking 2.97 seconds off her 2020 time
1500m – SX 1 PHOEBE MUSIC U15 14th (PB 5:37.00) taking 5.71 seconds off her 2020 time
COLCHESTER THROWS INVIATATIONAL MEETING – Took place in Colchester on 25 April.
Shot 7.26kg – SM OLIVER GRAHAM U23 1st (PB 12.08m) adding 46cm to his 18 April put
Hammer 4kg – SW PHILIPA DAVENALL 1st (61.09m)
Hammer 7.26kg – SM OLIVER GRAHAM U23 1st (61.25m)
HERCULES WIMBLEDON FIELD OPEN MEETING – Took place in Wimbledon on 25 April.
Long Jump – SX B BRAD DAVIES-PUGHE U20 1st (SB 7.23m nwr) taking 15cm off his 21 April jump, and is ranked UK No.2 U20 in 2021
Shot 7.26kg – SM A ANTHONY SOALLA-BELL V40 1st (SB 9.68m) and is ranked UK No.2 V40 in 2021
LEE VALLEY OPEN MEETING – Took place in Lee Valley on 25 April.
100m – SM 1 JORDAN WATSON-BROWN 2nd (PB 10.54 w1.5) taking .03 of a second off his 2019 time, and is ranked UK No.10 in 2021, 2 JAMAL RHODEN-STEVENS 1st (SB 10.69 w2.5), 8 ZAC BENJAMIN U15 3rd (PB 13.98 w0.6) taking .05 of a second off his 2019 time
100m – SW 1 ALANNAH FASHANU U20 2nd (PB 12.13 w3.5) taking .83 of a second off her 2018 time, 2 SOPHIE FORBES-LAIRD U17 5th (PB 13.02 w2.7) taking 1.88 seconds off her 2016 time, 7 EVA HIGSON U17 3rd (PB 14.74 w2.0) taking .56 of a second off her 2019 time
200m – SM 1 JORDAN WATSON-BROWN 1st (PB 20.9 w2.7) taking .46 of a second off his 11 April time, ALEX BEECHEY (2nd Claim) 3rd (SB 21.4 w2.7), 6 ZAC BENJAMIN U15 3rd (PB 29.39 w2.3)
200m – SW 3 AZARIA NWANKWO U17 4th (PB 27.75 w6.6) taking .77 of a second off her 2019 time
400m – SM 1 JAMAL RHODEN-STEVENS 1st (SB 46.77) taking .89 of a second off his 11 April time, and is ranked UK No.7 in 2021
800m – SW 3 EVELYNE FONTEYNE U20 1st (SB 2:44.61)
100m Hurdles – SW 1 LILY PARRIS U20 (2nd Claim) 1st (PB 13.87 w3.0) taking .53 of a second off her 21 April time, MARLI JESSOP U20 2nd (PB 14.03 w3.0)
110m Hurdles – SM 1 RUBEN HEDMAN U20 1st (PB 14.93 w1.0) and is ranked UK No.2 U20 in 2021
400m Hurdles – SW HAYLEY MCLEAN 1st (SB 58.99) and is ranked UK No.4 in 2021
Discus 1kg – SX SHADINE DUQUEMIN 2nd (PB 57.37m) adding 2.04m to her 2019 throw, and is ranked UK No.3 in 2021
Discus 2kg – SX GREGORY THOMPSON 2nd (SB 60.19m) adding 1.24m to his 17 April throw, and is ranked UK No.3 in 2021, NICK PERCY 4th (57.61m)
Hammer 4kg – SX SCARLETT O’CONNOR U20 (2nd Claim) 10th (PB 25.46m)
Javelin 600g – SX LOUISE LOCKWOOD 3rd (SB 42.05m) and is ranked UK No.9 in 2021
LOUGHBOROUGH APRIL TRACK OPEN MEETING – Took place in Loughborough on 25 April.
100m – SM C MITTIO MOHAMMADIAN U20 3rd (SB 11.90 w-0.5), H3 MITTIO finished 4th (12.09 w-1.1)
400m – SM 3 NIALL CARNEY 2nd (SB 50.99)
400m – SW LILY BECKFORD 2nd (54.10)
3000m – SM 2 JOSH EDWARDS U23 9th (SB 9:00.17)
WORLD ATHLETICS CONTINENTAL DRAKE RELAYS MEETING – Took place in Des Moines, Iowa, USA on 24-25 April.
400m Hurdles – SW LINA NIELSEN 4th (PB 56.19) taking .48 of a second off her 2019 time, and is ranked UK No.1 in 2021
3000m Steeplechase – SW LIZZIE BIRD 5th (SB 9:38.25) and is ranked UK No.2 in 2021
COVENTRY SPRING MEETING – Took place in Coventry on 24-25 April.
400m – SM 2 CHARLIE DOBSON U23 (HCA) 1st (PB 45.51) and is ranked UK No.1 in 2021, COLUMBA BLANGO T20/F20 1st (SB 49.18) taking 1.05 seconds off his 18 April time, and is ranked UK No.1 T20 in 2021
Discus 1.5kg – SM MICHAEL NICHOLLS F44 2nd (SB 22.97m) and is ranked UK No.2 F44 in 2021
TRU FIT ATHLETICS SPRINT CLASSIC MEETING – Took place in Miami, Florida, USA on 24 April.
200m – SM ZHARNEL HUGHES 1st (PB 19.93 w3.6) taking .07 of a second off his 2019 time
HARROW 3000m SPRING OPEN MEETING – Took place in Harrow on 22 April.
3000m – SX 4 THOMAS CADWALLADER U15 7th (PB 10:36.92), 6 RUBY VINTON U17 3rd (PB 9:53.11) and is ranked UK No.3 U17 in 2021, 9 ALEX LYTRIDES U20 10th (SB 9:37.79), 11 LUCA STUBBS U20 3rd (PB 8:44.02) taking 20.08 seconds off his 2020 time, and is ranked UK No.6 U20 in 2021
BMC GOLD STANDARD RACES – Took place in Birmingham on 21 April.
1500m – Mens A HENRY MCLUCKIE U20 1st (SB 3:42.71) and is ranked UK No.1 U20 in 2021
3000m – Mens A JEREMY DEMPSEY U23 4th (PB 8:02.97) taking 9.21 seconds off his 2019 time, and is ranked UK No.3 U23 in 2021, KRISTIAN IMROTH U20 6th (PB 8:13.18) taking 34.53 seconds off his 2018 time, and is ranked UK No.1 U20 in 2021, PHILLIP CROUT 8th (SB 8:15.49), KIERAN CLEMENTS 11th (SB 8:18.85)
UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM SERIES 1 MEETING – Took place in Birmingham on 21 April.
200m – SX 1 JAMAL RHODEN-STEVENS 4th (21.52 w1.8), 5 LILY PARRIS U20 (2nd Claim) 5th (SB 26.03 w1.9) and is ranked UK No.9 U20 in 2021
100m Hurdles – SW 1 LILY PARRIS U20 (2nd Claim) 1st (PB 14.40 w3.1)
110m Hurdles – SM EVAN CAMPBELL U23 2nd (PB 15.56 w1.9) and is ranked UK No.7 U23 in 2021
Long Jump – SM BRAD DAVIES-PUGHE U20 4th (SB 7.08m w0.3) and is ranked UK No.3 U20 in 2021, JOSH WOODS U20 5th (SB 6.89m w0.9) and is ranked UK No.4 U20 in 2021, SX EVAN CAMPBELL U23 4th (SB 6.07m w0.2)
Javelin 800g – SM EVAN CAMPBELL U23 1st (PB 44.95m) adding 35cm to his 2019 throw, and is ranked UK No.6 U23 in 2021
DAVE BEDFORD TRACES OUR PAST IN NORTH LONDON – DAVE sent me an excellent article on our many HQ the club has had since 1890. It might be an idea, maybe, to organise a club day-out, to visit all the pubs etc named below. With any photographs framed and displayed in the new West Stand.
This Photo of Shaftesbury Harriers was taken in 1922 outside The Wrestlers Pub on North Hill, Highgate and now sits proudly inside the pub. Go and say hello to Club members of the past and enjoy a great pint of London Pride! Any historians amongst you might wish to follow the Clubs XC running and drinking journey through time!
Shaftesbury Harriers was formed in 1890 at the Jubillee Hall which stood above The Shaftesbury Tavern (still there) on Hornsey Road. The Club’s first official HQ was a coffee shop in Crouch End then it moved to The Fox and Crown on Highgate West Hill. This pub was closed in 1895 and then demolished but there is a plaque on the wall where the pub once stood. By 1904 the HQ had moved to the Rose and Crown, Highgate High Street (now Le Pain Quotidien) then again in 1911 to The Bull on Highgate North Hill (still standing) and then later on to The Wrestlers.
The Club continued to move North with the expansion of London via East Finchley using The Five Bells (East End Road) and then Windsor Castle (The Walks), both still standing. In 1930 the Club moved to Brook Farm, Whetstone which was to be our XC HQ for the next 50 plus years. The Club had changing rooms, tin baths then later showers in the Sports Pavillion. Following a fire around 1980 which destroyed the Pavilion (now rebuilt) the Club moved its XC headquarters to Copthall Stadium.
I BELIEVE GEOFF HAS SENT HOLLY A MEMBERSHIP FORM – A dog ran away from its owners to join the final stretch of a 4×200m relay race in a high school athletics meeting in Utah. The bitch, HOLLY, can be seen running onto the track to chase Logan High School’s GRACIE LANEY down the stretch. HOLLY logged the last 100 meters in about 10.5 seconds, 1 second behind Usain Bolt’s world record. The track referee disqualified HOLLY for lane violation, some supporters believe he was barking mad – https://youtu.be/TBLMuNEZ4kU
MEET SHAFTESBURY’S CHARLES HICKS, BRITAIN’S SECOND FASTEST TEENAGER AT 10,000m – The following article was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently.
We speak to a US-based rising star whose recent (28:25.29) places him No.2 on the UK all-time teenage rankings behind DAVE BEDFORD. Over the years Britain has had some great teenage talents in distance running and it may have unearthed another in CHARLES HICKS, even though his development has unfolded thousands of miles away from the country he represents. With just one performance in a British vest and a singular appearance in a major British race, he probably is not on the radar of all UK distance running fans. But his (28:25.29) winning 10,000m debut at Palo Alto early in April left him behind DAVE BEDFORD’S (28:24.4) from 1969 on the all-time UK teenage rankings. BEDFORD’S mark was a senior British record at the time and he went on to break the world record at the distance. He was just 19 when he ran (28:24.4) and, like HICKS, not eligible for under-20 records as he reached 20 later in the same year.
HICKS’ 5000m debut of (13:34.63) for 5000m also made major waves on the teenage all-time lists despite the list of British success at this distance far exceeding that of the 10,000m. IAN STEWART set numerous European junior records and won a European senior title at 20, while MO FARAH won a European junior 5000m title. Additionally, Britain won five out of six European junior 5000m titles between 1977 and 1987 with NAT MUIR, STEVE BINNS, JON RICHARDS, PAUL TAYLOR and SIMON MUGGLESTONE all taking golds. Among these champions on the teenage all-time lists, only BINNS heads Britain’s newest distance star. BINNS set a world junior 5000m record at the age of 19 of (13:27.04) and only his predecessor as world junior record-holder, DAVE BLACK, is ahead of HICKS on the UK lists courtesy of a (13:27.85) fourth place in the Olympic trials – again when he was no longer an official junior.
UK teenage all-time lists
10,000m
1 DAVE BEDFORD (28:24.4) Crystal Palace Apr 19, 1969
2 CHARLES HICKS (28:25.29) Palo Alto Apr 2, 2021
3 JIM BROWN (28:57.82) Crystal Palace Jul 15, 1972
5000m
1 STEVE BINNS (13:27.04) Crystal Palace Sep 14, 1979
2 DAVE BLACK (13:07.85) Crystal Palace Jul 14, 1972
3 CHARLES HICKS (13:34.63) Eugene Apr 17, 2021
4 PAUL DAVIES-HALE (13:35.95) Crystal Palace Sep 11, 1981
5 ALEX YEE (13:37.60) Oordegem-Lede May 27, 2017
We caught up with HICKS, who turns 20 in July, shortly after his 5000m debut, but first he filled us in on his 10,000m victory. “There was no set time but I knew that the pacing would be for a (28:45),” he says, “but I had never raced a 5000m on the track, let alone a 10,000m.” He added: “This meant that I just had to race with heart and take whatever I got. Thankfully, the competition was willing to go for it as well and ALEX MASAI and my team-mate ALEX PARSONS were all able to walk away with great times. I had no idea that this was close to a UK teenage best, but knowing that now I’ll certainly hope to run that down before I turn 20!”
The 5000m followed a fortnight later. “The 5km was very similar to the 10km, I knew that it would be paced for (13:45). My coach, COACH SANTOS, told me to be patient through 2-3km and just to tear into the last mile. Luckily my legs were feeling great on the day and I was able to walk away with a 5km debut that I’m over the moon with!” Both of his races have come in the USA where he is a freshman at Stanford University and he explains his background. “I’ve been based in the USA for the past seven years. After being born in London, I lived with my family in Fulham for 12 years. Since it was the place I took my first steps and learned to compete, choosing to race for GB has always been a simple one for me.
“I think I realised that there was something there when I won my first ‘Cross-Country’ inter-scholastic race at Thomas’s Battersea. That served as my starting point and was a huge confidence booster. Since then, I’ve just been in love with the sport. I’m enjoying every mile and trying not to lose sight of what got me to this level in the first place.” While he had never previously raced the classic Olympic track distances until this April, he did have experience of racing shorter events in his earlier teenage years and the earliest race we could find for him was an (9:33.21) indoor 3200m in Winston-Salem in January 2017. “I actually remember very little about that season as it was the last time I was seriously injured!” he says. “Due to some tightness around my knee and an inability to properly rotate my pelvis I was unable to run more than two miles without stopping. “Thanks to a string of early mornings trying not to drown in the pool and incredible support from my high school coaches, I was able to still maintain some fitness and qualify for the Florida state meet placing fourth in the 3200m (two miles). “I think experiences like that can really show you how mental the racing component of the sport can be and definitely aided my growth as an athlete.”
The first time he made an impression on British fans though was his run in Liverpool in 2019 which incorporated the European under-20 cross-country trials and he finished second in (21:28) behind MATT WILLIS’S (21:13). That run was followed by the European Championships in Lisbon where his fifth place in (19:05) led home the British team to victory in a race won by JAKOB INGERBRIGTSEN. “Liverpool and the Euros were such an amazing experience for me as it was both the biggest gamble and largest pay-off of my career at the time,” he says. “Flying all the way to England for the trials was exhilarating as I wasn’t racing most of that season. “I was nervous about whether I’d make the team and also how the dynamic would be as someone who seems very American at first glance. Thankfully, I’m happy to say that both races went about as well as I could have dreamed, and my GB team-mates could not have been more accommodating and friendly. To come away with the team win for GB is an experience I’m not soon to forget and will absolutely look to repeat it in the future.” Racing was in short supply in 2020 but he did find time for indoor mile and 3000m PBs of (4:10.53) and (8:08.81) in his final year as a junior before emerging in great form in 2021 on the country and he was second in the Pacific 12 race and then 14th in the NCAA Championships and his brave run with three more years of opportunity suggests he could be a future medallist at the event. “Being up with the leaders this cross-country season has meant more to me than the performance,” he says. “I’ve always tried to race ‘well’ but struggled to shoot for the win, especially in larger competitions. Whether that was the result of lacking confidence or inexperience, it was something I was determined to improve upon as I headed into college. “For this reason, breaking through that fear and being able to hang with the best gave me an extraordinary boost. I left it all out on the course in Oklahoma, and even though I slipped a couple places from my ambitious start, I know that the fire and desire to compete is still there. I would like to improve my finish and feel more comfortable through 5km, but I believe it was still a good start.”
His training at Stanford is working well and his enjoyment is clearly evident. “Life at Stanford is both wonderful and hectic,” he explains. “Being surrounded by so many like-minded athletes and amazing people, it’s easy to get swept away by the possibilities of every day. Everyone here is doing something at the highest level and while that can be intimidating, it also creates a competitive and passionate team culture that I think will reward us in the long run. Pun semi-intended. “Right now a typical training week consists of a long run, two workouts, a medium long run and three easy days. I’ve been at around 80-85 miles a week all year but will hopefully look to increase that soon. For now, I’m just continuing to enjoy the simple pleasures of training with some of my best friends in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.” For the future, it looks as if the NCAA Championships will be the summer target but as he has two European under-23 qualifying marks it gives him something else to consider though he will also be eligible for the 2023 edition, so time is on his side (the European Under-23 Champs are in Norway from 8-11 July). “There are definitely still many factors to consider but it’s an incredibly exciting opportunity! As of now, I’m focused on the NCAA circuit but will be re-evaluating how I’m feeling with my coaches towards the end of it to make a decision about the Euros. “I’m trying to take it day by day for now but the prospect of competing for GB is always intensely tempting.” Will he join the long line of British endurance medallists sooner or later? Any athlete sitting above FARAH and STEWART – Britain’s only Olympic 5000m medallists in the last 60 years – in any all-time lists suggests future success.
UKA FIGHT TO KEEP ANNIVERSARY GAMES IN LONDON – The following article was published on the Athletics Weekly website recently. Photograph of the Olympic Stadium.
British governing body for athletics is threatening legal action if flagship domestic event is forced out of the Olympic Stadium. UK Athletics looks determined to try to keep the Müller Anniversary Games in the British capital’s Olympic Stadium after the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) asked for the event to be held elsewhere. The LLDC argue an estimated £3m cost of converting the football stadium to an athletics arena for one event was too expensive and that the 13 July meeting – which is part of the prestigious Diamond League circuit – would have to be staged in Gateshead or Manchester. Gateshead is already staging the first Diamond League of 2021 on 23 May, of course, after the event moved from Rabat to the north-east England venue, while Manchester is set to hold the British Championships in late June.
But UKA hit back this week, saying in a statement: “This would be an unacceptable breach of a longstanding agreement that forms an important part of the 2012 Olympic legacy plans. “We expect the contract to be honoured and the event to take place at the Olympic Stadium as do the athletes, broadcasters, sponsors, and most importantly the fans. “This is not only a key part of our Olympic and Paralympic athletes’ preparation for Tokyo but an opportunity for fans and young athletes from the local community to return to one of the most iconic athletics venues in world sport. “It would be a travesty for the sport after such a long wait for world-class athletics to return to the Olympic Stadium if our athletes and fans are denied a crucial send-off to Tokyo.” There were hopes that easing of coronavirus restrictions would allow a crowd of between 20,000 to 30,000 to watch the action. In addition to being an opportunity to see Britain’s top athletes before they head to the Olympic Games in Tokyo, its Diamond League status ensures world-class fields.
JO COATES, chief executive of UKA, cranked up the pressure today (April 22) when she told the Guardian: “We’re just not going to walk away from this. It’s outrageous the way they’ve treated us. Hosting a major event each year in London was a major legacy of the 2012 Olympics, so to seek to trash it is just unbelievable.” If the event has to move, it will not be the first time. In 2014 the Anniversary Games, which was then sponsored by Sainsbury’s, was held as a street athletics events on Horse Guards Parade and The Mall in London. In addition, a grand prix event was staged in Glasgow on the eve of the Commonwealth Games. But this was all due to the Olympic Stadium being rebuilt.
World Athletics will also be displeased if one of their Diamond League events is moved outside its planned venue of London. Indeed, there are shades of the Picketts Lock fiasco when, in 2001, the British Government reneged on a deal to hold the 2005 World Championships in north London. Instead the global governing body were told staging the event in Sheffield was a good alternative but they were left non-plussed and the event was ultimately staged in Helsinki. However, COATES is insistent the event should be in London this year. “This is the Diamond League, this is our most prestigious event,” she told the Guardian. “So to be told this news in April, when the event is on in July, is just not acceptable. “It is devastating for us and for our athletes, many of whom will be just days away from going to compete on the biggest stage of their lives. We believe the LLDC are categorically in breach of their contracts, and we are going to fight this all the way.” In addition to the £3m costs, the LLDC argues that the pandemic has created “extraordinary times” and that the Olympic Stadium will not be holding its usual events in 2021.
SBH ANNOUNCERS REQUIRED – GERALD ALTERMAN has sent me the following request.
As a result of the retirement of PETER MATTHEWS and TONY MILLER and the recent death of MARTIN ETCHELLS, we are very short of announcers for our Home fixtures.
England Athletics have told GERALD “we are today releasing a news story regarding a couple of workshops for announcing, during May and dependant on how that goes we may well have more people interested in developing skills at local level. These two workshops are more of an introduction and are informative about what skills are needed and sharing of good practise. ROB WALKER will be delivering these two workshops with ALISON POTTS on the 13 and 20 May, at 7pm-8.30pm, via Zoom.
I am sure we have a few budding STEVE CRAMs or GABBY LOGANs amongst you, therefore this is the link for you to sign up – https://www.englandathletics.org/officiating/development-opportunities/athletics-announcer-training/
LEE VALLEY OPEN MEETING FIXTURES MAY TO SEPTEMBER – The fixtures can be found on their website https://www.visitleevalley.org.uk/athletics-events
100m/200m Sprint Series – Wednesday 9 June (Closing date Sunday 6 June) and is open for entries.
Remaining 100m/200m Sprint Series – Wednesday 7 July (Closing date Sunday 4 July), Wednesday 4 August (Closing date Sunday 1 August), Wednesday 1 September (Closing date Sunday 29 August). Age-groups Under 13 and above. Entries are not open at present.
Double 100m Sprint Series – Wednesday 26 May (Closing date Sunday 23 May), Wednesday 23 June (Closing date Sunday 20 June), Wednesday 21 July (Closing date Sunday 18 July), Wednesday 18 August (Closing date Sunday 15 August). Age-groups Under 13 and above. Entries are not open at present.
5K Fest – Wednesday 12 May (Closing date Sunday 9 May). Age-groups Under 17 and above. Entries are not open at present.
Regarding Closing Dates – An Event Could Be Full Maybe 1-2 Weeks Before The Meeting Date, So Enter Early.
THE FOLLOWING SBH DOCUMENTS/INFORMATION CAN EITHER BE VIEWED, DOWNLOADED OR PRINTED
SBH 2021 Summer Fixture Card – SBH Summer 2021 Fixture Card Front Sheet – Issued 11-04-21 – SBH Summer 2021 Fixture Card Fixtures – Issued 11-04-21
Cross Country Team Managers Details – http://sbharriers.co.uk/athletics/cross-country/team-managers/
Road Running/Relay Team Managers Details – http://sbharriers.co.uk/athletics/road-running/team-managers/
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION OF INTEREST CAN BE FOUND ON THE SBH HOME PAGE BY USING THIS LINK, THEN SELECT THE LEFT OR RIGHT ARROW – http://sbharriers.co.uk/
Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers Club Hoody, information on how to purchase one, please go to the bottom of this Newsletter.
UPDATED ON 4 APRIL, ON VOLUNTEERS FROM RAY POWELL – Hope that you are all keeping well, and are slowly getting your jabs.
Standard Chartered Great City Race Tuesday 20 July – 25 volunteers required – 19 at present – 6 more required.
Big Half Marathon Sunday 22 August – 30 volunteers required – 13 at present – 17 more required.
London Mini Marathon Sunday 3 October – 62 volunteers needed – 40 at present – 22 more required.
I know that some of the races are a way off, but if you feel that you can help, please let me know now, as it makes the planning a lot easier. Please contact CLARE & RAY at ray571m@btopenworld.com
GB QUALIFICATION STANDARDS FOR TOKYO OLYMPICS 2021 – These are the following World Athletics qualification standards for all GB athletes:
Men – 100m (10.05), 200m (20.24), 400m (44.90), 800m (1:45.20), 1500m (3:35.00), 5000m (13:13.50), 10000m (27:28.00), 3000m Steeplechase (8:22.0), 110m Hurdles (13.32), 400m Hurdles (48.90), High Jump (2.33), Pole Vault (5.80), Long Jump (8.22), Triple Jump (17.14), Shot Put (21.10), Discus (66.00), Hammer (77.50), Decathlon (8350), Marathon (2:11.30).
Women – 100m (11.15), 200m (22.80), 400m (51.35), 800m (1:59.50), 1500m (3:35.00), 5000m (15:10.00), 10000m (31:25.00), 3000m Steeplechase (9:30.00), 100m Hurdles (12.84), 400m Hurdles (55.40), High Jump (1.96), Pole Vault (4.70), Long Jump (6.82), Triple Jump (14.32), Shot Put (18.50), Discus (63.50), Hammer (72.50), Heptathlon (6420), Marathon (2:29.30).
The final date that all standards are to be achieved is Sunday 27 June, the Marathon date is Monday 29 March. Team selection for all events is on Monday 28 June, and the Marathon on Tuesday 30 March.
Link for the full GB selection policy document – 2020-2021-Olympic-Games-Selection-Policy-October-2020
TOKYO OLYMPIC GAMES ALL SCHEDULES – It is not long now before we take to the armchair for 19 days of sport, from Wednesday 21 July. When the games take place, Tokyo is 9 hours ahead of GMT time in London. This is the link to the schedule for all 46 competitions – https://tokyo2020.org/en/schedule/ Just click on any of the competitions, and their detailed schedule will be shown.
Regarding Athletics this is the schedule, which commences on Friday 30 July – https://tokyo2020.org/en/schedule/athletics-schedule
On the first day of Athletics, which is on Friday 30 July, Tokyo morning session commences from 09.00 to 12noon, which means in London the session commences at Midnight on Friday 30 July, and finishes at 3.00m. Their evening session commences from 19.00 to 21.00, which means in London the session commences at 10.00 on Friday 30 July, and finishes at 12noon. The following sessions times vary slightly.
BIRMINGHAM 2022 COMMONWEALTH GAMES – Well there is just 531 days to the Opening Ceremony, you may wish to sign up to receive their Newsletter. Link – https://www.birmingham2022.com/register-your-interest/. Tickets will be on sale later this year, and can only be purchased through the official Commonwealth Games website, this is the link to register – https://www.birmingham2022.com/the-games/tickets/. 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.
ATHLETICS take place at the Alexander Stadium 2-7 August, with the Marathons on 30 July. There will be 59 medal events including a fully integrated Para Sport programme. TRIATHLON and PARA TRIATHLON take place at Sutton Park 29 and 31 July. The Individual races contest a 750m swim, 20km cycle, 5km run, and the Team races contest a 250m swim, 7km cycle, 1.5km run. Link to all events – https://www.birmingham2022.com/the-games/sports/?utm_source=workflow&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=popup_work_flow_send_welcome_autoresponder_pop_up_footer_form&utm_content=2021-02-05
Shaftesbury’s ANGUS MCKENZIE was appointed as Competition Manager (Athletics) last year, and the article on him can be found in the 26 November SBH Newsletter.
STONEX STADIUM NOW OPEN FROM 29 MARCH – StoneX Stadium is now open to Club members, under strict conditions. Check with your Coach for details.
SBH SUBSCRIPTIONS 2020-2021 – SBH Treasurer GEOFF MORPHITIS has sent me the following regarding subscriptions.
The Club AGM took place virtually at 19.30 on Tuesday 24 November. One of the resolutions which was passed dealt with Club Subscriptions as follows. “The Annual Membership Fee for new members from 1 December 2020 will increase to £50. Existing members who have paid their membership fee for year ended 30 September 2020 will be considered as having also paid their fee for the year ended 30 September 2021.
In other words, in recognition of the disruption caused by Covid-19, these members will have 2 years membership for the price of one.” Therefore, I’m now asking athletes who have not paid their subscription for the year ended 30/09/20 (£45) to pay, so as to qualify for the 2 for 1 concession together with the England Athletics Registration Fee of £15 for 2020/21. The total is £60 and should be paid NOW to; ACCOUNT NAME: SHAFTESBURY BARNET HARRIERS, BANK: HSBC, ACCOUNT NUMBER: 41308378, SORT CODE: 400426 – Please let me know when payment is made. Thanks GEOFF
CAN YOU HELP PLEASE – During the period when all competitions are suspended, I will do my upmost in keeping the Newsletter information and other content going.
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.
STONEX STADIUM EAST STAND INDOOR AREA – Currently closed.
SBH MIDWEEK JUMPS CLUB AT STONEX STADIUM – Contact CLYDE GORDON on 07753 985525.
STEEPLECHASE TRAINING AT STONEX STADIUM – Currently Suspended.
PARKRUN 5K RESULTS – Is due to re-commence Saturday 5 June
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.
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.
CLUB EMBROIDERED RED HOODIES – Currently there are now over 750 Hoodies in circulation, this is the link giving details on how you can order your Club Hoody for £35, which includes having your name embroidered on the front Club Hoodies Updated 01-07-19
FACEBOOK – Photographs can be found on the SBH page.
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 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 (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Main Switchboard telephone number is 020 3675 7250.
CHARGES FOR USING STONEX STADIUM (FORMERLY BARNET COPTHALL STADIUM) – Currently the Stadium is closed.
ALAN WELLER – SBH NEWSLETTER EDITOR AND WEBMASTER