First in the Finals

On Monday 29 June Ashford School took a minibus up to Birmingham Alexander Stadium for the National Prep Schools Athletics Championships. A County qualifying competition was held at Julie Rose Stadium in Ashford two weeks earlier.

After a 4 hour journey the team were greeted by the noisy, hot and crowded stadium and by 11am the first events were underway.

In the Under 14 boys 1500m, Max Nicholls followed Tonbridge's Hanro Roussouw round a blistering first lap in 65 seconds but with the temperature around 30 degrees it was to take it's toll on 3 subsequent laps to allow Max to pull away with a comfortable lead and take the gold medal in 4 mins 37 seconds ahead of the Millfield School second placer.

Ashford Friars Prep School pupil Euan Nicholls showed grit determination to stick with the leaders in a highly competitive field of 15 athletes in the Under 12 1500m. He achieved a 7 second improvement on his best time for fourth place in 4 mins 59 seconds, 6 seconds off the winner!

Sophie Ledger achieved an impressive 5th position in the shot putt with Scarlett Worrow winning 5th in her heat. Competing in the High Jump, Aloua Ogunnuga from the Prep School jumped 1m 15cm before retiring injured.

“This national event is hugely exciting and with athletics and cross-country becoming more prominent at Ashford School, we are incredibly proud of all our students who are showing such enthusiasm and challenging themselves to compete at this level.”
Mike Buchanan, Head of Ashford School.