Due to their success at the County and Regional Schools Track and Field Championships, three
Thetford AC athletes qualified and were selected to compete for Norfolk at the prestigious
English Schools Championships.
In the past, many top level athletes such as Mo Farah and Jessica Ennis-Hill have also graced
this competition and for those who are selected, it is often the highlight of the season and a
fantastic experience being away with the team for two days. The athletes parade is also an
experience not to be missed.
The Championships this year were held at a very hot and sunny Alexander Stadium in
Birmingham and featured many of the top young athletes in the country, all battling it out for the
prize of an England vest for the forthcoming International Schools Championships.
After qualifying and being selected for the championships last year in the Junior Girls (U15)
800m, Jessica Norkett qualified and returned for a second time, this year being selected for the
Inter Girls (U17) 1500m. In what was always going to be a tough race and being the bottom of
the age group, Jess proved she deserved to be there and ran a 3 second Pb to finish in 9th
place in heat 1 in a time of 4:43.
Asha Soanes, competing at these championships for the first time, was selected for the Junior
Girls (U15) Shot Putt. Asha threw fantastically and finished in 5th place with a throw of 10.83m.
Cameron Try was another Thetford athlete qualifying for the first time. Cameron was selected
for the Junior Boys (U15) Discus and did himself proud throwing the Discus an amazing 37.42m
to finish in 10th place.
Another athlete with strong Thetford AC connections and also qualifying for the first time was
Joe Smythe. Joe was selected for the Intermediate Boys (U17) 400m. Joe had a strong run,
finishing 5th in heat 1 in a time of 52.67.
All athletes can be very proud of their achievements and at being selected. They have all done
themselves, their County, club and Schools proud.
