Photo by Bobby Gavin
The Emirates Arena lights almost felt twice as powerful in the past – and hundreds of Scottish athletes savoured being back in the spotlight.
Our popular 4J National Open event returned for the first time in two years with all indoor events cancelled last year because of refurbishment work ahead of the World Indoors.
So, when the doors opened on Saturday and the lights went up, no wonder 550 athletes and around 100 Officials and volunteers relished the return to Glasgow.
Frustration and patience were experienced and required in equal measure a year ago as we took Indoor Season events to Ayr, Dunfermline, Aberdeen and Grangemouth in a make-the-best-of-what’s-available approach to competition.
This time a full complement of events is being offered and the National Open felt like the start of an exciting few weeks.
There were some teething issues with parking and with seating at the venue. scottishathletics will raise those in our post-event debrief and seek solutions ahead of forthcoming events at the Emirates.
In performance terms, the highlight was almost certainly a Scottish U17 Women’s Indoor Record at 200m.
Whitemoss AAC athlete, Emma Clark, clocked 24.04 with a superb run which takes a significant slice off the 24.53 Record held by Alisha Rees.
Scotland internationals Henry Clarkson and Logan Mitchell were best performers in triple jump (15.30m) and shot (Â ) as they prepare for more events this spring.
Also in the field, Shettleston’s Joseph Lanahan posted a fine PB of 6.25m in the long jump.
Krishawn Aiken headed the 200m times as he prepares for the Scottish Seniors next weekend. The Kilbarchan AAC athlete clocked 21.74.
The over-riding feeling across the event was one of excitement at being back in the Emirates, as Track and Field Convenor and Official, Diane Ramsay, told us.
‘It is really good to be back in the Emirates Arena again,’ said Diane .
‘We have a full 4J Indoor Season scheduled this year and that’s great for athletes and coaches and, as Officials, we enjoy that too.
‘The track and field facility here looks really good. It is nice to have that investment in world class venue in Scotland – it is key arena for us in athletics in Scotland. It was probably due it if we are honest and the World…
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