STRATFORD AC’S Paula Williams confirmed her place among the best female athletes in her age group after winning two gold medals at the British Masters Championships, reports Peter Coote.
With the weather perfect for running, jumping and throwing at Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, Williams once again led the way.
Williams, who is ranked in the top five for her age group in an incredible nine events, was relishing the chance to compete against the UK’s best.
Starting with the 80 metres hurdles, she got off to a fast start, and despite clouting a hurdle with her trailing leg, won her first gold. However, the injury that she sustained meant that she had to withdraw from the 100m, and hobble into the shot putt.
Despite being reduced to a shuffle rather than a glide in the shot, Paula managed to win her second gold, on one leg as she couldn’t put her right foot down, in a closely fought contest.
Evergreen team-mate Phil Brennan, preparing for the World Masters in Perth later this year, also had a busy and successful weekend.
On Saturday he ran the 1,500m in a seasons best time of 6 mins 03 secs to win the silver medal. Then he returned on Sunday to run in both the 800m and 5000m races, claiming a fifth place in both.
David Jones also did very well with fifth places in both the 1,500m and the 5000m against very strong opposition in the M65 age group. The 1,500m was won in 5.01, with Jones running an impressive 5.44, only just outside his personal best. The 5000m was won in an amazing 18.21, with David finishing in 21.00.06, a season’s best time.
In his first British Championships, Brian Gravelsons confirmed his continuing improvement in the 100m, running close to his personal best despite carrying a persistent injury.
Peter Coote, after his gold medal in the pentathlon earlier this year, had a busy Saturday with long jump, javelin, 100m and discus. However, despite a new personal best in the javelin, he finished outside the medals amid strong competition.
