Olympians put Bromley on the map

12:40pm Wednesday 4th July 2001

Bromley Athletic Club's senior women and girls thrilled the crowd at sun-drenched Portsmouth in their most successful Southern League Division Two event for several years, despite having many key athletes missing from the team.

The squad was, however, graced with the presence of its two double Olympians, Debbie Marti and Myrtle Augee, both of whom are striving to regain their best form after operations.

Prison officer Myrtle missed the hammer event but won the shot-putt, her specialist event, and discus in 12.89m and 39.84m respectively. Unfortunately, her best throws came from outside the designated sector.

Debbi won the high jump in 1.75m and was an inspiration to her winning B-string jumper Montell Douglas, who won the women's 200 metres in 26.4sec into a strong headwind while the high jump event was still in process!

Montell had earlier won the 100m in similar conditions in 12.9sec, while 12-year-old Amy Gibbs followed her example by winning the under-15 100m in 13.9sec and Amy Godsell the 200m in 27.8sec. And there was also an encouraging debut from Vicky Cole, who won the B-string 100m.

Maureen Miller, just off to Australia for the World Veterans' Championships in Brisbane, achieved impressive wins in the 800m and 400m in 2mins 17.7sec and 58.8sec respectively. She also ran very well on the anchor leg of the 4x400m relay to nearly win after big efforts by Nicky Baker, Sonja Bye and Rachel Chadwick.

Sonja won the B-race over 400m in 63.6sec, and Rachel the under-17 80m and 300m hurdles in 14.5 and 50.0sec respectively.

Sophie Terrell was second in the 80m hurdles B-race, while Alberta Agyekum won both the senior 100m hurdles and triple jump in 16.5sec and 10.55m respectively.

Amy Godsell won the under-15 B-string high jump and teamed of up with Amy Gibbs, Katie Welch and Lucie Cross win the 4x100m relay. Lucie also won the B-race over 200 metres and javelin with a PB win of 25.87m. She also came second in the shot-putt with another lifetime best of 8.67m, while Rachel Blackie produced a double PB by winning the B-string shot in 8.14m and the A-string discus in 24.66m.

Lizzie Kenny came second in the B-string discus, while new club member Jade Castell showed that she is a great acquisition for the club when setting a new personal best of 4.21m when winning the B-string long jump.

Catherine Townsend was second in the high jump and Amy Gibbs, normally a sprinter, amazed her team-mates with her versatility in recording a fast 2mins 37.6sec for second place in the 800m, with Carly Vineall second in the B event.

Hannah Cook then sliced a massive 30 seconds off her best-ever 3,000m time when clocking 14mins 34.7sec.

The team looked set for overall victory but, unfortunately, the senior 4x100m relay missed the start of their race and ended up five points behind winners Havant.

Then, both boys and girls teams took part in the Thamesside League held a Tooting Bec in conditions better suited to flippers rathan than spikes!

There were wins for the under 13 and 15 boys' teams, as well as the under 13 girls, wo also finished second despiste fielding a much-weakend squad.

Performances in terms of times and distances were difficult to compare with previous results due to the very heavy rain.

Notable displays came in the walks, with Rob Bain (under-15) looking a very exciting prospect by winning in great style.

Holly Williams (under-13) and Laura Jearrum, who are looking very much like seasoned walkers, both won their races by very wide margins.

After two matches, the U15 boys lead their age group, the U13 boys lie third, and the girls are second in both age groups.

Bromley AC is always looking for new athletes, male and female, of all ages. Call John Jackson 0208 462 1965 or visit the website at: www.bromleyathletics.com or just come to Norman Park track on Tuesdays or Thursdays at 6.45pm. For under 11s, call John Blackie on 0208 650 4262.

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