ATHLETICS — Inverclyde AC Trio At British Championships

THREE young Inverclyde AC athletes took a major step forward in their development while contesting the Under-20 age group British Track and Field Championships.

Mark MacLachlan, Georgia Morrison and Scott Hannaway made the long trip south to the Bedford International Athletic Arena to test themselves against the best of the UK’s under-20 age group athletes.

Having achieved Scottish national success, the next step for the trio was to step into the unforgiving arena of GB track and field competition. First on the track contesting the men’s 400 metres was Mark who drew lane one.

As the gun set the athletes off, Mark accelerated to top speed reaching the back straight where the race was unfolding in front of him. Sticking to his race plan, he was always in contention. Approaching the home straight, he held form well to record one of his fastest outdoor times this season.

Next into the arena was Georgia who was not only stepping up an age group but also distance to 400 metres. A steady start from lane six saw Georgia putting herself in a challenging situation as she approached the very windy bottom bend, however after some vocal support from the crowd, Georgia approached the home straight and increased speed to close in on the other athletes, making an exciting last 30 metres. Georgia finished in a season’s best time and an impressive fourth place.

Scott concluded the local representation over the hottest field of 200-metre sprinters assembled for some years. Like Georgia, despite moving up an age group, Scott exploded into action. Through his acceleration phase he catapulted himself on to the final straight keeping himself in contention with the older speed machines, stopping the clock just outside a season best time.

All three acknowledge the support of Craig and Theresa Muir who have assisted them in their development to competing at UK level.