ISA Athletics National Finals

You couldn't fail to feel the excitement as we arrived at The Alexander Stadium in Birmingham for the National Athletic Finals. All of the eight gateway qualifiers had done incredibly well to reach the finals and knew that the competition was going to be tough. Phoenix was first on the schedule with the Y5 long jump but we weren't to know that Zach would be competing in the high jump at the same after admirably stepping in for an injured London North team mate. Both children gave strong performances.

Then it was to the track for the 600m where Evelyn (Y4), Charlotte (Y5) and Zach (Y5) all gave excellent performances in their respective races. The races were extremely fast with two championship records being setting.

Another record was broken in the Y4 long jump with the winner recording a leap on 4.13 metres. Ellson was the London North representative in this competition and did brilliantly to set a new personal best.

The finale was the relays and despite much concern about dropping the baton, Cally, Macey, Rose and Evelyn successfully made it round the 400m track without a glitch.

This was a super experience for the children and one that will live with them for many years to come. They all did Gateway proud.