Dina Asher-Smith and Zharnel Hughes were named as the Female and Male Athletes of the Year for 2018 at the British Athletics Writers Association awards at a luncheon at the Tower Hotel, London on Friday (November 23).

The Great Britain and Northern Ireland internationalists – both first-time winners of the sport’s oldest and most prestigious honour – each claimed gold medals in the 100 metres at August’s European Championships in Berlin amid excellent seasons.

British 100m and 200m record holder Asher-Smith, who finished ahead of 2017 winner Laura Muir and Katarina Johnson-Thompson in voting among the track and field media, was a triple champion at the Europeans, additionally taking victory in the 200 metres and the 4×100 relay while setting British records in both individual events in the German capital.

Additionally, she picked up a gold and bronze at April’s Commonwealth Games and was named European Athletics Athlete of the Year.

Now for more, she insisted, at next year’s world championships.

“The Americans and Jamaicans will be there,” said the 22 year-old. “The pressure of competition is making me work hard and train hard.

“Alongside my fantastic coach John, we’re trying to turn my weaknesses into strengths and my strengths into stronger strengths, so I can put myself in a better position over the next two years and for the rest of my career.”

Hughes, 23, added 4×100 relay gold to his 100m title in Berlin with his CV enhanced by a further relay crown at the Commonwealths. His 100m personal best of 9.91 seconds now ranks him second behind Linford Christie on the UK all-time list, and it earned him the BAWA prize ahead of six-time Male Athlete recipient Mo Farah with Nick Miller and Reece Prescod sharing third place.

Jake Norris, who won the hammer gold medal at the IAAF World Under-20 Championships in Tampere and broke the UK under-20 record in 2018, was the recipient of the Junior Male Athlete of the Year prize. Heptathlete Niamh Emerson, who followed bronze at the Commonwealths with the World Under-20 crown, picked up the Junior Female Athlete of the Year.

Sophie Hahn, who took T38 100m, 200m and relay golds at the European para athletics championships in Berlin, and Kare Adenegan, who landed T34 100m gold and 800m silver at the same event at the age of 17, as well as earning victory in the Virgin Money Giving Mini London Marathon, were joint winners of the Female Para Athlete of the Year prize.

Thomas Young, just 18, secured the Male Para Athlete of the Year honour following two golds in Berlin, in the T38 100m and 200m.

The long-standing Ron Pickering Memorial Award for Services to Athletics was, fittingly, presented to one of the late commentator’s former BBC colleagues, Paul Dickenson. The two-time Olympian, 68, is coach to Norris and mentor to a large group of young throwers, doing a huge amount over four decades to nurture young talent in tandem with a long and distinguished broadcasting career.

This year’s BAWA Inspiration Award was presented to Anthony Whiteman, a silver medallist in the 1500 metres at the 1996 European Indoor Championships in Stockholm, and then twice an Olympian, who continues to produce remarkable performances in the masters ranks.

RELATED: Anthony Whiteman: the end of an era

Now 47, he reached his last British Championship final just three years ago but his masters accomplishments now include world bests and a world title in 2015.

In tandem with the main BAWA awards, a number of annual prizes from the British Milers Club were also presented including Male and Female Athlete of the Year prizes for Jake Wightman and Laura Muir, and a Coach of the Year for Geoff Wightman.

British Athletics Writers Association Awards winners

John Rodda Award for Male Athlete of the Year (sponsored by Glasgow 2019 European Indoor Championships): Zharnel Hughes
Cliff Temple Award for Female Athlete (sponsored by London Marathon Events): Dina Asher-Smith

Jim Coote Memorial Award for Junior Male: Jake Norris
Lilian Board Memorial Award for Junior Female: Niamh Emerson

Male Para Athlete: Thomas Young
Female Para Athlete: Sophie Hahn & Kare Adenegan (joint)

Ron Pickering Memorial Award for Services to Athletics: Paul Dickenson
BAWA’s Inspiration Award: Anthony Whiteman

Are you a fan of Fast Running? Then please support us and become a patron. For as little as the price of a monthly magazine you can support Fast Running – and it only takes a minute. Thank you.

The post Dina Asher-Smith and Zharnel Hughes win BAWA athletes of the year awards appeared first on Fast Running.

Dina Asher-Smith, the joint fastest woman in the world in 2018, has launched England Athletics’ #gocoach national campaign that aims to bring 10,000 new people into the world of athletics and running coaching by 2020.

Having trained with the same coach, John Blackie, since she was a nine-year-old at Blackheath & Bromley Harriers Athletics Club, Asher-Smith is someone who understands the importance of great coaches in the sport.

“The relationship between any coach and athlete, whether at elite or beginner level, is pivotal in enabling you to be the best version of yourself both on and off the track,” says the British sprint star. “The launch of #gocoach is a great reminder of all the hard work and support that coaches and run leaders provide – often voluntarily – to help others.

“I hope the campaign will inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to think about becoming a coach or run leader. Our fantastic sport wouldn’t survive without them.”

The launch of the #gocoach campaign will provide an opportunity for everyone to get involved. There can be a misconception that you must have a sporting background to become a coach, and while for many people it is a way of widening their enthusiasm for sport, people of all ages, backgrounds and aspirations can get involved in coaching.

Whatever their inspiration, it is a way of giving back to the local community by sharing their knowledge and their desire to see others enjoying an active involvement in athletics and running.

So, whether you are a university student, grandparent or simply someone with a little spare time, becoming a licensed volunteer coach or leader can be a life changing role.

Asher-Smith’s coach John Blackie adds: “Being a coach is incredibly rewarding. Not only are you able to share achievements, but you’re also there to support and motivate during any low moments.

“I’ve been lucky enough to work with Dina for 14 years now, and share her journey to being the fastest British woman in history. The joys of coaching don’t just apply to working with elite athletes though; being a volunteer coach or leader is an extremely worthwhile role. I would encourage everyone to get involved.”

Get Involved and help others

Being a coach or run leader is a great way to get involved in the sport, build new friendships and positively affect the lives of other people in your local community. Coaches have a tremendous impact on people’s experience of sport and physical activity, whether that’s helping them to achieve their full potential as a competitive athlete or encouraging them to become active and enjoy the many benefits of exercise.

For some, volunteer coaching is a great way to reduce social isolation, become an integral part of a new community and develop new skills. For others, coaching provides invaluable experiences and life skills which can be carried through into developing new career opportunities.

Ruth Worthington, a volunteer coach at Bury Athletics Club, says: “My daughter showed an interest in athletics when she was eight and I would take her to our local track and sit in the car reading a book whilst she trained.

“In the run up to the London Olympics, the club was becoming busier and the under-11 coach asked for some help from parents. I wasn’t sure what I could do but I stepped forward.

“It’s been really empowering as a woman to get involved in athletics and coaching. There’s loads of help and support out there to get you started and it really does make you feel good about yourself.”

Further information about England Athletics’ #gocoach campaign and volunteer coaching can be found here.

Are you a fan of Fast Running? Then please support us. For as little as the price of a monthly magazine you can support Fast Running – and it only takes a minute. Thank you.

The post Dina Asher-Smith launches campaign to inspire 10,000 new coaches appeared first on Fast Running.

Britain’s European golden stars Laura Muir, Dina Asher-Smith, Zharnel Hughes and Katarina Johnson-Thompson will be joined by international stars Noah Lyles and Sandi Morris at the Müller Birmingham Grand Prix on Saturday (August 18).

Laura Muir is aiming to make further history in the Alexander Stadium following her historic 1500m European gold last Sunday as she attacks Kelly Holmes’ British 1000m record 2:32.55.

“I was really happy breaking the indoor record at the Birmingham Grand Prix last indoor season which was great,” said Muir. “But I find indoors with the 200m track it is psychologically quite easy – five 200m laps – outdoors it is not something I have done much, but in Berlin I ran the last kilometre hard there, which wasn’t intentional, but I guess in a way that is quite good prep for this.

“As long as the conditions are good tomorrow, I feel like I am on target to go for it tomorrow.”

Dina Asher-Smith will return to action on home soil after a whirlwind 11 days which has seen the 22-year-old win three European gold medals, break two British records and set two world leading times.

Speaking to the media, the Olympic, World, Commonwealth and European medallist said: “It has been a really busy and tiring week, but it has been great. It has been great to see the support that us as a team got from all the public back home.

“When we were out there, we were in like a bit of a bubble, so we didn’t actually know the impact it has had on the nation so to comeback and to kind of understand that and be chased for some many things, this week has been great.”

Photo: Getty Images

The triple European champion will compete in a star-studded women’s 200m tomorrow, which features world champion Dafne Schippers and Commonwealth champion and 400m Olympic champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo.

“It’s more like an Olympic final tomorrow so I am really, really excited. It’s typical that we have got an Olympic final straight after the Europeans, but I am really, really excited. You know the girls, we don’t avoid racing each other, we always just turn up, and I think this race in Birmingham is a great demonstration of that,” Asher-Smith added.

“Obviously, I am going to go out there and run my best. I always give 100 per cent, especially in front of a home crowd as I want to go out there and do everybody proud.”

The start list for the men’s 100m is equally impressive, and world leader for both 100m and 200m Noah Lyles is looking forward to proving his worth as the world’s quickest sprinter this year.

Lyles said: “I have been looking at the field a few times and I’m like ‘oh that’s a fast time, that’s a fast person too’ and you know what not everybody is going to get through to the final, but either way everybody is going to be trying to pull out their best.

“A lot of people as we are getting to the end of the season are putting down a lot of PRs. I’m looking to running against fast people and showing my worth.”

Taking to the 100m start line alongside Lyles will be newly crowned European champion Zharnel Hughes.

Photo: Getty Images

On competing against the world’s best sprinters, Hughes said: “To be honest, I don’t feel any pressure going into the race. For me, it is just about staying focused and staying focused on myself. It is about going out there and doing what I have been doing all season which is to execute my race.

“The field is really stacked, and I am really looking forward to a great competition and with great competition comes fast times. I definitely think we can give the crowd the performance they are expecting.”

World indoor pole vault champion Sandi Morris will return to the city where she won her first global title in March, and the Diamond League leader can’t wait to compete again in Birmingham.

Morris said: “I have such amazing memories from this past indoor season, winning my first gold at a global championship, there is nothing like the UK crowd. The fans are absolutely incredible and so knowledgeable, and it really helps the athletes feed off the energy of the crowd. I am just excited to come and jump again in Birmingham.”

With the world’s best pole vaulters competing in Birmingham, including Olympic, world and European champion Katerina Stefanidi, Morris is expecting fireworks in the pole vault competition on Saturday.

“We do have a stacked field. Everybody is here, everybody. I think a few of us are ready to take cracks at the five-metre barrier. I am hungry to break five metres again. I did in 2016 and this year seems to be the year for me to do it. I am on a roll, I have jumped in the 80s at pretty much every meet I have been to, I have jumped in the 90s a couple of times, I have jumped 4.95 twice in one year, so I am on a roll and I feel good,” Morris added.

On the opposite side of the Alexander Stadium, the world’s best long jumpers will take to the runway in the women’s long jump; a competition which will feature World Indoor pentathlon and Commonwealth heptathlon champion Katarina Johnson-Thompson.

The European silver medallist said: “It’s a very tough field, but I love events like that and I love the long jump, it is my second favourite event, so I am glad Birmingham is putting the long jump on. It’s a competition, who knows what is going to happen on the day, I am just excited to be competing.”

The Muller Grand Prix Birmingham will also serve as a homecoming celebration for Britain’s European Championships team. Topping the medal table with 18 medals – including 7 golds – in Berlin, the British team will be paraded around the track at 12:47 tomorrow to the applause of the crowd before the Diamond League programme gets underway.

Are you a fan of Fast Running? Then please support us and become a patreon. For as little as the price of a monthly magazine you can support Fast Running – and it only takes a minute. Thank you.

The post World’s best athletes set for Birmingham appeared first on Fast Running.

The first British woman to win European 100m gold since Dorothy Hyman’s victory some 56 years ago at 1962’s championships in Belgrade, Asher-Smith lived up to her billing as the favourite in emphatic style with a show-stopping performance.

The signs had been in place from earlier on in the evening as the 22-year-old clocked a world-class 10.93 while easing down in her semi-final, though what was to come was extraordinary nonetheless.

Bolting out of the blocks, Asher-Smith put ground between herself and the rest of the field almost immediately, with the gap only increasing as torsos came upright and heads began to eye the finish line.

Streaking clear, Asher-Smith secured gold with a dip, with the clock flashing 10.85 to reveal yet another revision of her own British record, this time by some seven hundredths of a second following her 10.92 posting earlier this summer in Oslo.

In a 10.85 British record and world leading time, Asher-Smith looked delighted to win the European title. “I went out there and executed my race,” said the speedster. “Sprinters say the word ‘execute’ so often it becomes  boring but I was just so happy that I went out there and ran the race that I knew I was capable of.”

“I told myself ‘You’re here to win, I am not taking any less’. That’s what I am here for and I am so happy to have done it. 10.85!”

In sixth place was Imani-Lara Lansiquot and the 20 year-old, who has been sharing her journey this year on Fast Running, was very impressive in her first major championships.

“I am very, very happy,” he said. “This is my first time on the senior stage and that is my second fastest time ever. It would have been lovely to have left with a medal and a personal best but I am only 20. I am learning my craft and getting better and better with each race. I am a little bit disappointed now, but I am incredibly proud of myself.

“This time last year I think I had finished my season and run 11.7, now have put together consecutive 11.1s. I’m just very grateful to be in one piece and to be a European finalist, not many people can say that, and to be better than I have ever been before. I have to take that.”

British 1-2 in the men’s 100m

Photo: Getty Images

Zharnel Hughes led a British 1-2 with Reece Prescod grabbing silver. With both athletes under 10 seconds with 9.95 and 9.96 respectively it was a great night for British sprinting. CJ Ujah was just outside the medals in fourth with 10.06.

Hughes is already looking to the future and said “That’s the high point definitely, it sets me up nicely going in to the world championship, next year, so I just need to focus and continue putting in the work and trust and believe in my team and myself and leave the rest to God.”

Pressed ran a U23 National record with his 9.96 and the future looks bright for the young star. “To be honest I can’t really complain. It was a personal best and the first time dipping under ten seconds legally. I am really happy about that. It was a national under-23 record as well and I am happy to come out and get my first sub ten clocking”

Men’s 10,000m

One of many other events with triple British interest, the men’s 10,000m took place in punishingly hot conditions inside the well-populated Olympiastadion. Featuring the experienced Andy Vernon and Chris Thompson alongside Alex Yee, the sweltering conditions made for a tough race from the off.

Led out by Juan Perez (ESP) with the enthusiastic Kaan Kigen Ozbillen (TUR) on his heels, the British trio kept in touch with the lead pack in the early stages, with Yee doing the early lead running of the Brits as the field trotted through 3000m at 8:30 pace.

Halfway was reached with Ozbillen to the fore and always looking to push proceedings on, with the British trio continuing to hang on to the well-established lead pack of thirteen as Vernon began to show his experience and move through, beyond Yee and Thompson, as the latter pair’s legs began to feel the effects of the heat.

Looking strong having recently travelled in from an altitude camp out in St Moritz, Vernon maintained form as he moved into seventh then sixth, as the field came round with two laps to go and the toss-up for medals really began.

Kicking too early, temporary race leader Adel Mechaal (ESP) paid the price as he was overtaken and pushed back to fourth come the finish line, with the conclusion of the race boiling down to a scintillating final 800m in which Frenchman Morhad Amdouni moved out to lane three to power home to gold. Chasing all the way, Vernon finished a brilliant fifth, clocking 29:16.90, with compatriots Thompson and Yee finishing 11th and 14th in 28:33.12 and 28:58.86 respectively.

On his finishing position and the race, Vernon said: “I’m a bit disappointed. It was that last couple of laps, it was just like my legs weren’t quite wanting to give me it, they were ‘numb’ is the way I’d describe them, I just didn’t have that in the last two.

“And it didn’t seem like it was that quick, if I was there I think I could have been amongst it, I just had to be there and I wasn’t. I’m disappointed in myself that I wasn’t. It was just frustrating

“It terms of tactics until the last 800m I nailed it. 10,000m is about running to rhythm and getting to the last 1k or maybe 2k having conserved as much energy as possible.”

The post GB storm to double sprint gold in Berlin appeared first on Fast Running.

Marc Scott will compete for Great Britain at the European Championships in August after securing selection with victory in the 5000m on the first day at the British Championships in Birmingham on Saturday (June 30).

Scott, who competed over the distance at the World Championships in London last year, was one two athletes that had already achieved the qualifying standard of 13:30 for Berlin. All that was left for the US-based athlete to do was finish in the top two in Alexander Stadium.

With a large field of 27 athletes on the start line and the hot conditions to battle, the first few laps were slow and all trying to stretch out the field with Charlie Hulson at the head of a long procession of runners after seven laps. The front of the race hit the 3000m mark in a pedestrian 8:26.36, before the pace picked up with four laps to go with Ben Connor, Jonny Mellor, Chris Thompson and Scott out in front.

Andy Vernon joined the lead group with two laps left as Mellor faded in the heat. At the bell, Thompson was out in front, before Vernon and Scott made their moves for which Thompson had no answer. Scott crossed the line in 13:47.00 for gold, while Vernon clocked a season’s best 13:47.81 for silver. Thompson bagged bronze comfortably over three seconds ahead of Connor in 13:49.85.

Despite the testing temperatures, there were personal bests for impressive youngsters Chris Olley and Richard Allen. Tonbridge’s Olley clocked 13:55.70 to finish fifth, while former elite duathlete and England 5k road champion Allen ran 13:59.53 to clinch a top seven spot.

Marc Scott wins the 5000m gold in 13:47.00, with Andy Vernon silver (13:47.81) & Chris Thompson bronze (13:49.85). #BritishChamps

Ben Connor was 4th & nice PBs for @chris_olley in 5th & @AFDACofficial's Richard Allen in 7th. pic.twitter.com/vnE4lPARiJ

— Fast Running (@FastRunning_) June 30, 2018

Over the barriers, race favourite Zak Seddon won a first British title with a narrow victory over Ieuan Thomas in the men’s 3000m steeplechase. Seddon clinched gold in 8:33.12 ahead of Welsh Commonwealth athlete Thomas in 8:33.88 and both will be on the plane to Berlin. Jamaine Coleman claimed bronze in 8:38.17.

Laura Muir opted for the 800m instead of the 1500m and sealed her place in Sunday’s final as the comfortable winner of her heat in 2:03.15. The other women’s 800m heat winners were Lynsey Sharp (2:03.02), defending champion Shelayna Oskan-Clarke (2:03.60) and Alex Bell (2:04.59).

Photo: Andy Peat

Jamie Webb with 1:50.56, Elliot Giles (1:49.81), Andrew Osagie (1:49.92) and Daniel Rowden (1:48.90) were the winners of the men’s two-lap heats.

Sarah McDonald, with 4:21:74, finished just ahead of Katie Snowden to win her women’s 1500m heat, while Jess Judd in 4:15.51 was the winner of the second heat ahead of Jemma Reekie and Laura Weightman.

Jake Wightman (3:41.86) and Neil Gourley (3:46.22) were the winners of the men’s 1500m heats, while Chris O’Hare, Josh Kerr and Charlie Da’Vall Grice all qualifying too.

The sprinters battled a strong headwind during the early qualifying rounds, but thankfully it had eased by the finals.

Britain’s fastest woman Dina Asher-Smith delivered as expected and won the women’s 100m gold. Asher-Smith, who lowered her national record to 10.92 at the beginning of June in Oslo, posted a championships record time of 10.97 for the win.

Photo: Andy Peat

It was a photo finish for the remaining podium places and Daryll Neita took silver in 11.19 and Bianca Williams bronze in 11.20. Imani-Lara Lansiquot, who features in the Fast 10: class of 2018 on Fast Running, finished fourth clocking a season’s best 11.23. Earlier in the day, the 20 year-old advanced to the final as the comfortable winner of third of three of semi-finals.

Reece Prescod successfully defended his British men’s 100m title with a strong finish and crossed the line in 10.06. A surprise winner last year he held his nerve against a top field that included CJ Ujah, Zharnel Hughes and Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake. Hughes bagged silver, while 2015 champion Ujah took bronze.

Meanwhile, in the women’s 110m hurdles Alicia Barrett won gold in 13.28. Northern Irish athlete Megan Marrs was awarded silver ahead of Jessica Hunter after both athletes clocked 13.37.

The second day of the British Championships gets underway on Sunday and some of the finals include the women’s 3000m steeplechase, men and women’s 800m, women’s 5000m and the men’s and women’s 1500m.

You can find out more about Sunday’s action, including the timetable, start lists and tv guide here.

The post Marc Scott takes 5000m gold at British Championships appeared first on Fast Running.

Dina Asher-Smith clocked 10.92 to set a new British 100m record at the Bislett Games in Oslo on Thursday evening (June 7).

The 22 year-old, who won a 200m bronze medal at Commonwealth Games for England in April, finished narrowly second to Murielle Ahouré who won in 10.91.

Asher-Smith first broke the 11 second mark in 2015 when she ran 10.99 at the Anniversary Games in London.

Last month in Eugene, Asher-Smith ran 11.06 to record what was the third fastest time of her career before Thursday.

🕪

10.92 – you smashed it, @dinaashersmith #osloDL pic.twitter.com/aiAXVIifYO

— British Athletics (@BritAthletics) June 7, 2018

Elsewhere at the Bislett Games, which incorporated the fifth Diamond League of the season, Chris O’Hare won an exciting men’s 1500m race in 3:35.96. O’Hare finished ahead of USA’s Robby Andrews in 3:36.05 with 17 year-old Jakob Ingebrigtsen third across the line in a PB time of 3:36.06.

GB’s 19 year-old Jake Heyward clocked a PB 3:39.84 to finish ninth and moves to third on the British U20 all-time list.

Heyward overtakes Steve Cram and joins Graham Williamson and Niall Brooks as the only British U20 athletes to break the 3:40 mark.

Laura Muir was less than a second outside her 800m personal best finishing fifth in a European-leading time of 1:59.09 as Caster Semenya claimed victory in 1:57.25.

On Wednesday, Irish sprinter Phil Healy also broke the women’s national 100m record with a 11.28 run at a graded meeting in Santry’s Morton Stadium, Dublin.

The post Dina Asher-Smith clocks British 100m record appeared first on Fast Running.

Wightman, who was fourth in the 800m earlier in the week, made history as he became the first Scottish man in 40 years to win a medal in the 1500m at the Commonwealths Games.

The 23-year-old ran a superb race and made the decisive move in the final lap passing Kenya’s Kumari Taki down the home straight to run 3:35.97 and clinch the bronze.

Kenya’s world champion Elijah Manangoi clocked 3:34.78 to clinch gold after pulling away on the last lap from world silver medallist Timothy Cheruiyot, also of Kenya, who ran 3:35.17.

Charlie Grice of England was fourth in 3:37.43 as Scotland’s Chris O’Hare took eighth in 3:39.04.

Wightman said: “I’m delighted and it just caps off a really good week for me out here. I hear it is a slice of athletics history in Scotland with 40 years since a 1500m medal in the Commonwealths. That’s great to hear and means a lot.”

Before the men’s 1500m final, England’s Weightman clinched a fantastic bronze in the women’s 5000m final. It was the 2014 Commonwealth 1500m silver medalist’s first championship race over the distance.

A report can be found here, which also includes the performances other home nations athletes competing.

Double relay gold for England

In the men’s 4x100m relay, England held off fast finishes from the silver and bronze medallists, South Africa and Jamaica respectively, to clock 38.13, which is just 0.11 seconds slower than the best ever by a quartet representing England.

Reuben Arthur handed on Zharnel Hughes, who gained some consolation for being disqualified after appearing to win the 200m.

Former world indoor 60m champion Richard Kilty passed the baton over to the experienced Harry Aikines-Aryeetey on the final two legs as the English sustained attacks from South Africa’s 100m winner Akani Simbine and Jamaica’s Yohan Blake, who came past Australia. South Africa ran a national record 38.24 and Jamaica’s time was 38.35.

I was really gonna write a witty and elaborate tweet (like I do), but my brain still has to catch up with the last 3 weeks.

…it’s all mad. #GC2018 #StayReady #BatonBoy pic.twitter.com/UO3ht6c0Di

— reuce da 5’6 (@ReubenArthur) April 14, 2018

In the women’s sprint relay, Asha Philip, 200m bronze medallist Dina Asher-Smith, Bianca Williams and long jumper Lorraine Ugen combined to stop the clock on an English record 42.46. Jamaica finished quickly via Olympic 100m and 200m champion Elaine Thompson, running 42.52, while Nigeria clocked 42.75.

“I did my first changeovers earlier today. But it went pretty well,” said Ugen, a surprise selection from the anchor leg who clocked a 100m PB of 11.37 earlier this year. “I knew if I was going to get called up that I’d only accept it if I knew I could do a good job.

“The girls gave me a really big lead so all I had to do was hold it. All I was thinking was ‘keep running, keep running’. I don’t think I’ve done a relay since university.”

Asher-Smith, who won individual 200m bronze earlier in the week, added: “It shows how strong we are though, with minimal practice as a team to go out there and win a gold medal – thank you very much to the team.

“We knew Lorraine was a very good sprinter. She’s got a strong background in it and we knew she could changeover well.

The English quartet were fourth in the women’s 4x400m behind winners Jamaica, who stopped the clock on 3:24.00. Nigeria were second in 3:25.29, while Botswana set a national record in third with 3:26.86, with Scotland finishing sixth.

England, through Anyika Onuora, Finette Agyapong and Perri Shakes-Drayton, led Botswana into the final changeover, but a 49.59 split from individual 400m winner Amantle Montsho eventually put them in front by 0.35 seconds.

Botswana won a tight final race on the track as individual winner Isaac Makwala brought them home in the men’s 4x400m in 3:01.78. Bahamas was second in 3:01.92 and Jamaica third in 3:01.97.

The post Medal success for home nations on the Gold Coast appeared first on Fast Running.

On an eventful fifth day of athletics at the Carrara Stadium Track, the home nations sprinters experienced both joy and heartbreak. Dina Asher-Smith took bronze in the women’s 200m before England team-mate Zharnel Hughes appeared to take victory in the men’s event only to be disqualified, with Northern Ireland’s Leon Reid promoted to bronze.

For Langford, gold was in his sights as he rapidly closed on the eventual winner, Wycliffe Kinyamal of Kenya, down the home straight but, although his 1:45.16 was a personal best, he was ultimately five hundredths adrift.

After a slow first 400m, the race picked up in the back straight as Kinyamal and pre-race favourite Nijel Amos led with 200m to go.

Still fifth and a second behind Kimyamal with 100m left, Langford then slowed less than his rivals, although he arguably left his charge too late.

The 22-year-old, who was fourth in the world final last year, was followed home by Australia’s Luke Mathews, who ran 1:45.60 to just beat Scotland’s Jake Wightman (1:45.82) for bronze.

Bronze for Asher-Smith and Reid

Running in a field which would not have looked out of place in a world or Olympic final, Asher-Smith finished behind the dominant Bahamian Shanae Miller-Uibo (22.09) and Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson (22.18).

Asher-Smith, who just pipped Olympic 100m and 200m champion Elaine Thompson of Jamaica, ran 22.29 – her fifth fastest ever time. England’s Bianca Williams was sixth in 23.06.

Moments later England team-mate Hughes formed a big lead in the first 150m of the men’s half-lap. However, Trinidad & Tobago’s Jereem Richards quickly closed him down and applied enough pressure that Hughes began to lose form in the dying metres.

The pair clashed arms and, although Hughes was given the win initially, 20.12 to 20.14, the England team knew they had a nervous wait for a potential protest. As feared, Hughes was disqualified for stepping out of his lane and impeding another athlete.

What really happened between @zharnel_hughes & @Reemy_rich19 in the Men's 200m Final @GC2018 #TTO #ENG pic.twitter.com/DTRFX1hIvY

— Michael Bascombe (@mbascombe) April 12, 2018

Canada’s Aaron Brown thus took silver in 20.34, meaning Northern Ireland’s Reid, who features on Fast Running in the class of 2018, was elevated to bronze in 20.55, winning the nations first Commonwealth medal in 28 years.

“I had a little cry,” he said afterwards. “I’m very excited. I’m going to find my Mum and celebrate tonight.

“Most importantly for the team, I hope we can all move up together. All of them were here supporting me and I feel they were there in the last 50 with me. I could hear my name being screamed and I wasn’t going to give up. I fought to the end and it managed to pay off.”

Silver for Doyle

Scotland’s Eilidh Doyle took silver in the 400m hurdles for the third Commonwealths in succession.

While Jamaica’s Janieve Russell always looked the winner, stopping the clock on 54.33, Doyle finished strongly to win a close tussle for the minor medals in 54.80 – her fastest in these Games.

Crossing the line 0.16 seconds ahead of South Africa’s bronze medallist Wenda Nel, she claimed her 16th medal at European, Commonwealth or world level.

Gold for Hahn

Hahn was just two hundredths outside her world record as she won the 100m T38 for athletes with cerebral palsy. Her 12.46 was a Games record as she beat Australia’s Rhiannon Clarke (13.17) and Wales’ Olivia Breen (13.35).

England’s Katrina Hart was sixth in 14.82.

English hurdler Jack Green was satisfied with his fourth in the corresponding men’s 400m hurdles.

His 49.18 left him just two hundredths outside the medals as British Virgin Islands’ Kyron McMaster took gold in 48.25 ahead of Bahamas’ Jeffrey Gibson (49.10) and Jamaica’s Jaheel Hyde.

Mixed women’s 800m for home nations

As Scotland’s medal hopeful Lynsey Sharp surprisingly failed to qualify for the final, England’s Alexandra Bell excelled with a PB to be the only home nations success in the 800m heats.

Bell sliced 0.42 off her best with 2:00.11 as she placed behind only Caster Semenya, who looked easy in clocking 1:59.26. Both went through as automatic qualifiers.

Shelayna Oskan-Clarke, who won world indoor bronze last month, ran a solid 2:00.81 but found this not enough to go through, crossing the line third in her semi.

Northern Ireland’s Ciara Mageean was seventh in that race, running 2:03.30.

Sharp, who won silver in Glasgow 2014, had felt she was in the shape of her life, but she could place only fourth in her race, running 2:01.33 behind Kenyan winner Emily Tuei and Uganda’s Winnie Nanyondo.

In the 100m hurdles, England’s former world bronze medallist Tiffany Porter qualified automatically for the final, finishing third in her heat with 12.99 behind Jamaica’s Danielle Williams, whose 12.69 was the fastest of the round.

In the other heat, England’s Alicia Barrett went through as a fastest loser as she was fourth in 13.19. However, Wales’ Caryl Granville failed to advance, finishing seventh in 13.98.

In the 100m T12 for athletes with visual impairment, England’s Zachary Shaw and Wales’ James Ledger went out at the semi-final stage, running 11.58 and 11.77 respectively for second and third. South Africa’s Ndodomzi Ntutu took gold in the final in 11.02.

The post Dramatic day for home nations at Gold Coast 2018 appeared first on Fast Running.

Scottish teenager Lyle took the only home nations athletics medal in the Carrara Stadium on Wednesday (April 11), winning silver in the 100m T35 final behind Australia’s world record-holder and winner Isis Holt, who clocked 13.58.

Lyle’s time of 15.14 was well outside her UK record but was strong enough to see off eventual bronze medallist Brianna Coop of Australia.

England’s Dina Asher-Smith and Zharnel Hughes qualified impressively for the 200m final. Asher-Smith led for most of her semi-final before easing up and being passed by Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson.

Her time of 22.44 behind the winner’s time of 22.28 suggests her UK record of 22.07 could be under threat in the final, where she will also face Olympic 200m and 400m champions in Elaine Thompson and Shaunae Miller-Uibo.

“I was running well, obviously you want to go and win a semi-final and put down a good time, but I eased off,” she said. “It’s easy to get into a battle, but I had this thought in the back of my mind that it’s only a semi-final.

“I want to come out here and do well, and also see the other girls do well – we’re a team. I’m looking forward to the final – I’ve qualified with a decent time and I didn’t feel too bad doing it, so I’ll take that.”

England’s Bianca Williams was third in her semi-final with 23.23 but it was enough to qualify her as a fastest loser. Team-mate Finette Agyapong was also third but, with 23.38, will progress no further. Northern Ireland’s Amy Foster was last in her semi with 24.02.

Hughes looked easy as he won his semi-final in 20.37, while Northern Ireland’s Leon Reid placed second in his race in a season’s best 20.61.

The Northern Ireland sprinter, who has been sharing his journey this year on Fast Running, came from fifth place to clinch the second automatic spot behind Trinidad’s Jereem Richards in his semi-final, qualifying as the sixth-fastest overall.

“I managed to come through in the end and I’m ready to go now,” he said. “I held my position and got the job done. I’ll now approach it the same as any other race. I’ll recover and go again.

“I’m happy. My mum is here. My family is here. I’m glad they were able to see it, especially on this night when there is nearly a full house.

“I was thinking ‘I’m going to leave everything on the track.’ This was my final.”

Strong steeplechase fourth for England’s Clarke

Earlier England’s Rosie Clarke was fourth in a 3000m steeplechase surprisingly won by Jamaica’s Aisha Praught. Clarke ran 9:36.29, which was within five seconds of her PB.

“I thoroughly enjoyed that,” reflected Clarke afterwards. “Me and my coach decided that whatever happens, just go for it and don’t leave anything out there. I definitely did that.

“I thought I was going to be able to take it on, but when I heard the bell go I felt my legs going. In chase, you can’t just go for it when you’ve still got barriers to go. The girls ahead of me are all incredible so I can’t complain about finishing fourth. I came into this ranked seventh, so I wanted to come out better than that so I’m really chuffed.”

Her performance was a little overshadowed by a great race at the front as Praught overhauled favourite Celliphine Chespol, who went into the last lap with a lead of more than two seconds.

The Kenyan, who is the second fastest in history, still led by more than five metres with 200m to go, but Praught had the momentum on the last water jump to pass her rival before the final barrier.

Running 9:21.00, she is Jamaica’s first medallist in at the Commonwealth Games in an event longer than 800m. Behind Chespol’s 9:22,61, Kenya’s Purity Kirui was third in 9:25.74.

England’s Iona Lake was eighth in 9:58.92, two places ahead of Scotland’s Lennie Waite (10:21.72).

The only other running final in the session, the women’s 400m, ended with victory for Botswana’s former world champion Amantle Montsho, who regained her 2010 title.

Jamaica’s Anastasia Le Roy set a PB of 50.57 for silver as she beat countrywoman Stephenie-Ann McPherson (50.93) into the bronze medal position.

The post Home nations sprinters impress at Commonwealth Games appeared first on Fast Running.

England’s Kyle Langford and Scotland’s Jake Wightman qualified for the 800m final with ease with both athletes finishing second in their respective heats.

Langford, who finished fourth at last summer’s World Championships qualified in a time of 1:45.61, with Wightman, who doubles up in the 1500m clocking 1:47.43 in heat three. England’s Andrew Osagie and Elliot Giles, as well as Scotland’s Guy Learmonth, bowed out in the heats.

Afterwards, Langford said: “I paced it well; I knew I was going to catch them down the last 100m. I had enough left in the tank so I’m really excited to get going in that final. I felt really easy all the way around and got through so that is all that matters.”

Home nations impress in 200m

It was a clean sweep for Team England athletes in the 200m heats as Dina Asher-Smith, Finette Agyapong, Bianca Williams, Zharnel Hughes and Richard Kilty all advanced to Wednesday’s semi-finals.

Asher-Smith comfortably made it through, firing out of the blocks to open up a significant margin on the rest of the field and had time to shut down and cruise to the line with 60m to go, stopping the clock at 23.28.

“I was feeling good; I just wanted to do enough to qualify and conserve as much energy as possible,” she said. “I wanted to qualify safely and I managed to do that.”

Agyapong and Williams both finished second in their heats clocking 23.15 and 23.20 respectively, while Zharnel Hughes (20.34) and Richard Kilty (21.08) impressed to progress to the semis.

The five English athletes will be joined by Northern Ireland’s Amy Foster, who clocked 23.94 to finish fourth in her heat and Leon Reid running 20.73 to finish second in the first men’s heat. Reid features in the ‘Fast 10: class of 2018‘ – and you can follow his journey this year here.

Doyle goes for gold

Scotland’s Eilidh Doyle performed well as she booked her spot in her third Commonwealth Games 400m hurdles final with a 54.80 clocking to win the first heat.

The 31-year-old Scot will have her sights on gold in Thursday’s final.

England’s Meghan Beesley and Jessica Turner, as well as Wales’ Caryl Granville, did not progress.

Jack Green made the men’s final, with the English athlete clocking 49.24 to finish second in heat two, while Guernsey’s Alastair Chalmers clocked 51.10 in his heat to finish seventh.

The post Home nations shine on busy morning at Gold Coast 2018 appeared first on Fast Running.