Eugenia Bateson Reports: Sprint Week – Week 3 of the Virtual Challenge was a 60m Sprint for U12 and U13 and 80m for U14- U16. I would not like to be a finishing line judge for this one and no doubt a few would have required photo finish judges at the highest level in Athletics to call it.
With most of this group returning to training on Tuesday, their resilience and determination over the past 3 months is paying off. They are fit and keen to get back to training as a group, to their club and competition. The club and coaches are even more eagerly awaiting their return. Their motivation has kept us going (not the other way around!) This week we only had one U12 Girl Sienna Kelly who decided doing the 60m for age group was not enough so also decided to do the older age group challenge of 80m recording a more than respectable time. U13 Boy Aidan Benjacar also took part in both and would give the U14 boys a good run for their money.
Lorcan’s reign as record holder in the Junior Parkrun Albert College is seriously under threat with Aidan determined not to be outdone by his older brother! U13 girls were Harriet Kenny recording as superb time closely followed by Cara Connolly. James Connolly U9 took part again this week and he put some speed into his older sisters, Cara and Ali making them push hard to the finish line.
U14 to U16 ran an 80m challenge. This age group were well matched with a hair, if even that dividing them on the finish line. U14 girls were lead home by the very consistent Rebecca Walsh with Ali Connolly and Sarah McDonnell in what would have been a photo finish. Kate Campbell took part in the challenge for the first time this week and as always her lovely long stride brought her to the finish line nicely. Alexandra Kelly is continuing to show good form as she returns to athletics, great days ahead for these girls.
U14 Boys – Close is the only word to describe this one. These guys had a very impressive Cross Country, Indoors and work so well as a group that even virtually they seem to be fine-tuned. Noah Rossi and Jaydon Carroll recorded identical times. Jack McDonnell came in next followed by Jake Kane. This group, U14 Boys and Girls have a lot to look forward to as they return and their consistency during lock down will surely pay off.
U15 Boys, Lorcan Benjacar recorded a fantastic time and beat Devan Morrissey by .07 of a second. Mark Goss Keogh was .33 of a second behind him. What a race that would have been on the track! Devan and his cousin Noah clearly help push each other by doing their challenge together this week but still kept the social distancing, fantastic to see.
U15 Girls this week was one competitor Hazel Kenny, clearly showing she is fit and ready to get back to training. Her commitment and determination shows what great times ahead for her and her sister Harriett who have probably never missed a race or challenge. U16 Girls was lead home by Ciara Scott with Eabha Guy hot on her heels and Ailbhe Nolan pushing in at the finish for 3rd .
One week to go of this Challenge but I think the focus is now on getting the group up to Santry on Tuesday. Well done all. You have been a credit to your coaches and to your club!
