ESAA Track and Field Championships - Luke takes bronze as juniors shine at highest level

Over the last two days, 5 of our athletes competed at the historic ESAA track and field championships in Birmingham.

On a weekend full of ups and downs, moments of joy and tears, it was Luke Pichler (Northumberland) who came away with a brilliant podium placing in the 100m hurdles against the best athletes in the country. Luke was only 0.03 away from 2nd, which would have secured an England call up. Sadie Parker (Northumberland) was also achingly close to international honours, but should be proud of her 5.61m best in the long jump to take 5th place, just 5cm off 2nd. Sadie also helped the mixed 4x100 team to a 5th place finish. Amber Wright (Durham) also competed in the long jump, recovering from 2 fouls on her first two attempts to secure a 15th place finish on her ESAA debut.

Hannah Wilson (Durham) produced a superb run in her 200m heat on Saturday to qualify for Sundays final, where she finished in 8th place. This was her 3rd consecutive top 8 finish at these champs - a fantastic achievement. Senna Gorvett (Northumberland) qualified with ease for the 300m hurdles final with 2nd in her heat, before lining up for the final on Sunday morning with high expectations. Sadly the race didn't go to plan, and it was a 7th place finish for Senna, but she will bounce back.

The ESAA Championships are full of history and tradition, with athletes travelling with their county teams the day prior to the event, and spending the weekend together throughout. It is an immense achievement to just get selected for these champs, and there is the opportunity to take part in an Olympics style "athletes parade" where all 1800 athletes parade around the stadium in their county colours.
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An incredible weekend, with our athletes doing themselves and their counties proud.