DU Athletics strong at Sheffield

A week ago, whilst you were tucked up in bed, recovering from that ill-judged third Jonny Woodgate, the DU Athletics and Cross-country team were taking on some of the country’s finest university athletes in Sheffield.

Team captains Eleanor Gregory and Henry Madell led out their teams and have given us the inside scoop.

So far the season has been a strong one for the relatively small university team.

At the recent King’s College Cup the DU athletes put in an impressive performance. This was the first of two parts to the Cup with the first instalment taking place indoors. Here the women’s team all managed to register victories. Durham also came out victorious in the Men’s shot put, completing a great meet for the team.

Big.

An individual highlight came from Will Strut who capped off a fantastic season so far by setting a new club record in the high jump. One of many to perform personal bests this year.

The weekend of 22nd was another triumphant one for the Durham team. The first achievement came in the form of Olivia Walker who just missed out on first, securing a silver medal in the 60m hurdles.

The taste of success was not short-lived though. The captain, Eleanor Gregory, leading by example, reached the finals of the High Jump competition: finishing a creditable 5th overall.

There were also great runs by Oyinade Omidiora and Chris Mcgahan who both progressed to the semi-finals of the 200m and 800m respectively after excellent performances in their heats: both narrowly failing to reach their finals.

The squad last year

Despite very little preparation both the Boys’ and Girls’ relay teams managed to do themselves proud. Other noteworthy results included BUCS debutants Tim Jackman and Grant Oldham who both managed personal bests in the Long Jump.

Although the Durham squad is not substantial enough to challenge for the overall BUCS championship they have had an amazing year so far. Best of luck to the team for the rest of the season and the second part of the King’s College Cup!