MEDALS GALORE IN BIRMINGHAM - BMAF Championships 24/25th June 2017

Several of our Belgrave Masters athletes did themselves proud in the BMAF Championships last weekend bringing home a fine crop of medals.On the track, there was the wonderful sight of Zoe Doyle (2;18.45) and Fiona Maddocks (2;26.85) finishing first and third in the W35 800m. The fast finishing Fiona almost catching second place in her fastest time this season so far.  Monique Krefling W45 won both her events, the 400H (66.68) and the Long Jump (4.88m).In the Throws, Vilma Thompson W65, was once again the star performer winning the Shot Putt (9.76m), the Weight (12.09m), and the Javelin (18.722m) and finishing in second place in the Hammer (26.46m).Chris Privett M55 also did very well finishing in second place in the Weight (14.85m) and the Hammer (44.82m) and third in the Discus (41.15m).John Monroe M45, also made the journey but unfortunately injury restricted his long jump to 5th (5.51m).           A little from Zoe Doyle on her account of the last 2 weeks:“Back from Injury to fine form!”Two weeks ago I got a pb for 800m 2.14.48. I needed to get 2.15 to gain a qualification time for the BMC Grand Prix race at Watford. I hadn't quite managed it at my season's opener at the South of England champs which I did a 2.16 in windy conditions. This weekend I ran at the BMC and was a bit disappointed to get another 2.14.55. I was hoping for a 2.13 but I just didn't feel that great on the day, the pacer and all of us went through 200m too fast and then I nearly got tripped at 300m. Having said that it was a very competitive good race. It was a special occasion to be part of. Watching Lynsey Sharp run under 2 minutes with the men and then pace the ladies A race and  I was definitely the only vet in any of the 800m's.Sunday was the National Masters 800m at Alexander Palace in Birmingham. A very different scenario where it was all about the win not the time. It was also a good tester of consecutive race days which I will have at the Europeans in August. My race plan was to see how I felt but to run at a comfortable pace. By the break at 100m no one was with me so I just ran feeling fine. I went through in 32/33 and then 66. The wind on the back straight was strong so the next 200m was slow but I speeded up in the final 200m. It was an easy race front running and windy so my time of 2.18 was ok but I when I got my medal it was actually a new championship record. I am very happy to be National Champion 800m Indoor and outdoor and holding both championship records. I am still hoping to get a bit quicker before competing in the Europeans. It was great to see Fiona win the 800m W35 Bronze and gain a season’s best in Birmingham.Below: Zoe Doyle on her way to a " win"