Hercules Open - Off to a Good Start !

All three members of Team Richards took part in the opener to the Outdoor Track & Field Season at the Hercules Wimbledon Open Meeting at Crystal Palace.

With 500 athletes taking part in the day, Robert started the Richards' proceedings with his 100m sprint. He finished 7th in his race with a time of 15.9s. This equalled his PB from last seasons and is now his benchmark for future events. He is competing in the Boys U13 age group, which means that he is one of the youngest in each competition, so this was a good start.

Tom then ran his 100m, finishing 4th in 13.4s - again, a good time and a good beginning to his season. He is competing in the Boys U15 age group, which means that he is also one of the youngest in his competitions.

Then Amelia ran her 100m, finished 1st in 12.7s. The transition from Winter to Summer seasons (indoor to outdoor) was beginning smoothly.

Amelia then took part in the 200m race, again finishing 1st in a time of 26.0s, a new PB.

Tom followed this race in his 200m race, finishing 4th in a time of 28.1s, also a new PB.

A short gap for lunch was followed by Amelia's Long Jump. With four possible jumps, Amelia was only able to take two because she had to run 4th leg in the 4 x 100m relay! However, her first jump was her best with a distance of 5.10m, putting her in a winning position.

The relay was one of two - Robert took part in the Boys U13 4 x 100m, running the 3rd leg. Amelia's team finished 5th and Robert's team finished 4th.

So, PBs all round. Amelia's times / distance in her three events qualify her for the English Schools Championships, meeting the Standards in all three events. As well as this, she qualified for England Athletics Grade I Standard in all three events.

Overall, not a bad start to the season !