Schools Biathlon 2009/2010 - Qualifier 1 – Barnet Copthall Leisure Centre
Sunday 1st November 2009

All the girls arrived early at 8.00am at Barnet Copthall Leisure Centre.  We were the biggest team there with 34 girls taking part from years 5 & 6.

The girls began with the 50m Swim.  Some of the girls were very nervous as this was their first major event. They all managed to swim with out getting disqualified much to Mrs Bedford’s relief.

We had some excellent performances from Breagha Campbell, with Sophie Lewis Ward close behind.  Lily Freeman, Amy Milburn and Amy Gifford from year 5 also had outstanding swims.  We then had to wait for all the other competitors to finish their swimming in the morning session.  Outside, the weather was awful with heavy rain and blustery winds.  Spectators were not looking forward to stepping outside, on the athletics tracks.  The girls however were very excited.  Each girl was given their own individual number for them to put on their shirts ready for their run.

We walked over to the stadium in the pouring rain but then as if by magic it stopped, so the girls managed to have a good warm up with Mrs Woodward, some of whom had never run on a running track before. Luckily, the rain then stayed away for the rest of the day.

The Years 5 & 6 had to run 500m, a relatively short distance for our cross country athletes.  Again Breagha Campbell was outstanding and won the Year 6 race.  Rosa Collier who was suffering from a viral infection came 7th – a brave performance.  Year 5 had some excellent runs from Ottilie Beith who came 4th with Ailsa Smillie and Nancy Powell close behind.

There was a long wait for the results and the girls were desperate to find out their final placings. Breagha Campbell who had the fastest swim and run in year 6 came 1st overall with Sophie Lewis Ward finishing 5th with Rosa Collier’s help they won the team trophy.  JAPS “B” Team came 3rd with Georgia Gibson, Erin Murphy & Isabella Palmer, scoring points. In Year 5 Nancy Powell came 4th overall with Alice Miller finishing 5th with Amy Gifford help they also came 3rd in the team event.

We have never competed in this event before. The girls were outstanding. Special mention should go to Breagha Campbell who has qualified for the National Finals in Aldershot (March 21st) and we wish her good luck for that event.We have to wait a little longer to see if any other individuals or teams for JAPS have qualified.  Fingers crossed! Finally, many thanks to all of the parents who came and showed their support.  All of the cheering and clapping was much appreciated.