Success for DAC athletes over busy weekend of events

A busy weekend for Derby Athletic Club saw athletes competing in Nationals cross country at Wollaton Park, the England Indoor National U15, U17 and U20 championships at the EIS in Sheffield, and the final Sportshall Mini League event in Chesterfield.

Sprinters Florence Beedie, Tom Silcock and Angelica Oparinde all qualified for the England Championships. Tom and Angelica came away with SB times in the 60m and 400m respectively. Florence gained axPB in the 60m, progressing to the semi final. Valentina Costa qualified for the 800m at Sheffield. Patricija Nemanyte competed in the high jump, coming 10th with 155cm, throwing 11.44 in the shot and setting an indoor pb in the 60m hurdles with 9.87.

Standout performances at the cross country event included Jasmine Cooper running back to her near best again with 27th and not far behind her Alice Crane with a credible 42nd in the Jun Women.

Sarah Bourne gained an impressive bottom age 42nd place in the under 15 Girls. Paddy Welsh continued his gradual improvement with 50th in the under 15 boys. Sophie Robertson Dover under 13 Girls got inside the top 100 with 65th place.

For the Senior Women Chrissie Dover continued her fine form with 76th, following in behind with a return to form was Bethan Hudson in 90th place.

Overall there were a lot of gutsy performances from DAC athletes in very challenging conditions.

Also running cross country in DAC colours was Jack Davies, who finished an impressive fifth in the Welsh U17 Championships.

The final Sportshall match of the season saw lots of great performances from the Derby athletes competing. Many thanks to all the athletes who have competed in any or all of the six matches this winter, and the parents and officials who have supported. The club won no silverware but the u13 boys came close with second place.

Special mention to Max Bishop who once again broke his own Sportshall record for the u15 speed bounce. It was an immense performance, well done.

Congratulations to all DAC athletes competing and many thanks to all who support them, whether parents, friends, coaches or officials. We really appreciate your efforts.