Open Indoor Meeting - Sheffield 9th December 2006

Three Richmond and Zetland athletes made their way to Sheffield, for the Open Indoor Meeting at the EIS on Saturday 9th December. Ken Harker was in great from, competing in heat 3 of the men’s 1000m, which saw him finish in an excellent 2nd position, with a time of 2.43.7. After the event, Ken said “I felt very strong, but just lacked some speed, which was only to be expected, as I haven’t started doing any speed work yet.” He still has 16 weeks of hard training to go until the European Masters Championships at Helsinki in March, where he will be competing in both the 800m and 1500m middle distance events.

Brogan Fraser

Two junior athletes; Leanne Shaw and Brogan Fraser, were also competing at the same venue, both in the 60m and 300m sprint events, in the Under 17 women’s category. Both competitors were drawn in the same heat of the 60m, with Leanne clocking a superb time of 8.12 on what is only her second occasion, racing on an indoor track. Brogan ran a fantastic 8.45 and really enhanced her winter training, which will stand her in good stead for the summer season. In the 300m Leanne went one better and placed first in her heat, also being the third fastest female on the day, crossing the line in a winning time of 42.33, against some tough competitors. Brogan was in action again two heats later, against older and stiffer opposition than she has possibly faced before, but remained unfazed to take 5th place with a great time of 47.33.

National Rankings 2006

Staying with track and field athletics, which may seem quite unusual in the winter season, it is pleasing to note that two Richmond and Zetland junior athletes have made their way into the North Of England Athletics Association’s ranking list for their performances throughout 2006. Sprinter Ruth Hill actually has a double accolade in the Under 15 girl’s category, with a position of 9th for her time of 12.8 in the 100m, which she ran early in the season at Shildon in April. She is also ranks 6th for the 200m, her preferred event, with a time of 26.2, achieved at Gateshead in July. Successful Javelin thrower Lindsey Johnston also appears on the ranking list for Under 17 women, with a fantastic distance of 33.8m, which was accomplished at York in June.