DAC athletes to compete for England at Reykjavik Games

Two Derby Athletic Club runners have earned their first England vests, after being selected to compete for their country at the Reykjavik Games in Iceland next month.

Ella Blakey has been chosen to run in the 200m and fellow DAC member Molly Hudson in the 800m.

Molly Hudson (left) and Ella Blakey, who are set to represent England in Reykjavik, are pictured with their gold medals at the Northern Champs in Sheffield.

Both are coming to the event off strong performances in the Northern Championships in EIS Sheffield earlier in January. Ella did the double, winning gold in the 400m in 56.71 and in the 200m with 24.42, a Derby Athletic Club indoor record. Molly ran the 1500 and won gold with a time of 4.36.02. She has also posted 2.08:54 for 800m indoors this month, as well as running cross country for the club.

The games is one of Iceland’s largest sporting events. Nearly 2,000 competitors from more than 40 countries will take part in 15 sports. England have sent an athletics team to the event twice, most recently in 2020.

The event runs over two five-day sessions, 27 – 31 January and 1 – 5 February. The athletics takes place on the final day, Sunday 5 February. It attracts a high calibre of athletes from across the world, with many aiming for qualification for upcoming indoor championships.

Competition Manager Vicky Griffiths said: “We are thrilled to be sending a strong team to the Reykjavik Games. We have a great mix of experience, with some athletes achieving their first England selection. Our team success in the past has been strong and we will be looking to continue this success across the events.”