Action from the U20 Women’s 800m (photo by Bobby Gavin)
The superb facilities at Aberdeen Sports Village were once again the perfect backdrop for our 4J Age Group Champs.
Day One featured the U15 Champs and a number of U20 events, too, with that programme split over two days.
The competition was keen at both levels and while there is an emphasis on enjoyment and development at the younger ages over this weekend, the desire to post a Personal Best, reach a final or make the podium was evident throughout.
A healthy entry of 673 athletes ensured the Aberdeen venue felt busy and it was brilliant to arrive and spot immediately our Age Group hoodies or athletes, coaches and parents clad in club kit.
Among those club kits the likes of Shetland (in blue) and Stornoway (in red) were prominent, emphasising once again the ‘reach’ of our champs and the efforts made to compete.
Dean Patterson swapped Trinidad for windy Aberdeen and the Commonwealth Youth Games silver medallist was on top of the podium in the Granite City, on a day when sprinters benefited from ‘running with the wind’ down the back straight.
The Glasgow School of Sport athlete, who is coached by David Watson, took gold in the Men’s 200m final with a run of 21.30 (helped by a +5.6 tailwind).
‘I had felt my calf in the run-out and wondered about not racing,’ said Dean.
‘We decided to go ahead and at 80m I had felt it again and thought about stopping. Rory Voss was clear by then and I had a bit of ground to make up . . . but I didn’t want people to think I’m scared of losing.
‘So I just gave chase and thankfully managed to get ahead shortly before the line. Trinidad was an amazing experience with Team Scotland and I was thrilled to get the silver medal – after a PB run in the semi-final.
‘I’ve the U20 Inernational coming up in Wales next week so that’s another chance to represent Scotland and maybe get a good time again.’
Kaya Slater won the U20 Women’s tilte in 24.50 (+3.5). The English-based athlete was joint bronze winner over 100m at our Seniors at Grangemouth.
‘It was good to win the javelin title today to add to the Senior gold from last week’ said Dawn Russell, who threw 46.67m for a Championship Best.
‘I felt more pressure last week as we were definitely…
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