Fourteen
year old Lauren Whelan concluded her superb season with a Gold medal last
Saturday whilst representing Merseyside at the English Schools Race Walking
Championships at Exeter, writes Elizabeth Corran.
In the
Junior Girls 3km, Lauren walked a very mature race taking front position at
around 150 metres going well clear of her closest rival and was never once
threatened. She finished in a personal
best time of 16.00.06, adding to her previous national title over 3km earlier
this year.
Also
walking in this group was team-mate Kirsty Taylor who finished an impressive 6th
in a time of 18.22.10. This was slightly
down on her best time but due to the fact that Kirsty has been plagued by
injury this season she put in a very gutsy performance and technically walked
very well.
Next to
take to the start line was Ciarra Kaneen who was competing in the Senior Girls
5km and also her last English Schools event.
Ciarra walked with consistent pace and good technique throughout coming
home in 4th position in a time of 32.04.28 just outside the time she
had hoped for.
Due to the very hot conditions of 26 degrees all girls performed very well.
Unfortunately
due to injury Karen Renacle was unable to compete but gained valuable
experience from observing the races from the sideline.
3km Junior
Girls: Lauren Whelan 1st
16.00.06, Vicky Morgan 2nd 16.12.02, 3rd Emily Symons
17.30.80, Kirsty Taylor 6th 18.22.10.
5km Senior Girls: Rebecca Mersh 1st 27.01.53, Fiona McGorum 2nd 27.23.69,
Keera Rayment 3rd 28.54.96, Ciarra Kaneen 4th 32.04.28
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