Hillingdon AC U15 Boys – National Champions!
What an historic day for Hillingdon AC. In our history we have Olympians, a Gold medal, a world record, GB and national racers and National champions – all individuals. On Saturday 7th October 2017 that changed with the U/15 boys winning the National Road Relays in Birmingham, reports Stevan Dokic. It has always been important to our Hillingdon athletes to go to the races that test us. Events from parkrun to National road events, these make us fitter and faster. We at Hillingdon AC definitely tick the box.
When I retook the Relays Manager position I felt that we are again producing a good group of junior athletes. Encouraging them to race with fellow team members at these events will make them better athletes and people. They will learn and make mistakes, but most of all gain valuable experience. Missing the start, getting in the wrong position at the start, hard runs and sessions pre major races were some of the learning curves that we picked on and will improve.
The U/15 boys A team was all about getting a great start in a very competitive group. Max McGarvie did this with brave tough front running with the top boys. On encouragement form me surged to the lead at the 1k to go splitting the pack and just 3rd to hand over to Abdifatah Khalif , 2nd leg, who took the lead after 400m. Holding this under pressure and then pushing on mid race and to a good lead of 10 seconds. I could see at this point Herne Hill Harriers and Blackburn closing down the 2nd team Rotherham. Race on!
Abdifatah Khalif kept this 10 second lead for Adam Ireland, 3rd Leg. Adam was on his own with only the wind to keep him company. No pressure! At the 1500m point I could see Adam cruising with still a 10 second lead from Herne Hill and Blackburn. I called to Adam that he has done this before – led and won.
Into the last 1K Herne Hill went from now 14 seconds behind back to 12 seconds. But the Herne Hill athlete looked back at 800m to go. This telling me he was flat lining and looking to hold off Blackburn who were closing. Everyone now knows that Adam will hold his nerves and sprinted the last 200m to finish and win the first Hillingdon team National title. Well done team – the whole club is extremely proud of you.
This took 51 years – sorry for the delay!
These top and major races are a must for the athletes that want to improve. The experience and learning curves will benefit all. The pressure and crowd can easily distract from the fast race. There were mistakes and coaches can advise how to overcome these and get better positions for the athlete, the team and the club. You will all walk away better athletes.
The U/15 B team with Hanad Ahmed,45th in 13.57, Matthew Crow 44th in 14.29and Josh Lee 35th in 14.05 came 3rd B team behind Aldershot B and Birchfield B teams.
U/13 boys Abdi Hamud 10th in 13.43, Luke McGarvie 20th in 15.17, Noah Lawson 33 in 16.28.
U/13 girls Laura Anene 51st in 16.16, Nicole McGovern 20th in 15.09 ( 3rd fastest) Angel Doyle 35th in 17.28 U/17 men Ross McGarvie 11th in 12.15, Alex Hutchison 38th in 14.01, Tariq Arieff 47th in 15.04.
Well done to all and look forward to the South of England X/C 2k, 3k, and 4k relays at Wormwood Scrubs.
