A Golden Day in Ireland

If we’re honest, what pace do most of us set deep in the school holidays? Avoiding the natural instinct for a slothful start to a Saturday in late July, Katie Snowden put on her England kit, her running shoes and, with her best foot forward, arrived at the Belfast Stadium with Team England, ready to take on the rivals from Wales, Scotland and Ireland in the SIAB (England Schools’ International Athletics) Meeting on 19 July. There was no wind and no rain, until the heavens opened at the end of the day; it wasn’t too cold. Fuelled by cereal and toast, and hanging onto the advice from coach James Macdonald to ‘Run your own race; stay focused and relaxed but determined’, Katie did just that, and eased past her biggest rival from Scotland, who had led the way until the last 200 metres, to win comfortably the 800m race in 2.08 minutes in what the Sky Sports commentator called her deceptively easy style. Gold for Katie! Gold for Team England!

Then, much to her surprise and delight, Katie was called up to run the 3rd leg of the 4 x 300m race for England. Maybe the earlier victory helped; England was in 2nd place by the time Katie was passed the baton; by the time she handed it on, England was 20m in front, and they went on to win, collecting a Team Gold medal.  (Rugby aficionados will be impressed to know that the medals were distributed by ex-Ireland and Lions Rugby Union player, Willie John McBride). Overall England came first in the International Meeting, and the coaches had good reason to celebrate individual achievements and the promise of things to come.

So where has this success come from? Apart from her natural skill, Katie has much to be thankful for: spotting her raw talent and enthusiasm, the PE dept at JAGS encouraged her to join a local club and for the past 3 years Katie has been a member of Herne Hill Harriers. Under the watchful eye of James Macdonald, who coaches the middle distance squad, a large group of 11-17 year olds, Katie has developed into a fine middle distance runner.  Coaching is entirely voluntary for James; it is greatly to his credit that Katie (and others) have achieved national recognition.  James has the ability to spot potential in young runners and he knows instinctively how to nurture it. He is the Wandsworth  Borough Coach of the Year for 2008. Perhaps part of his secret is that he doesn’t push them too far, believing, as do Katie’s parents, in getting a good life-balance.  The top girls against whom Katie competes at these international races train sometimes six times a week; Katie trains three times. There is room for other things.

Katie can enjoy a well-earned breather now, secure in the knowledge that she won two Golds for England in her holidays – and it was fun! Congratulations Katie.

The photos were taken by Deputy Head, Mrs Bicknell, who was in Ireland at the time and joined Katie’s supporters at the stadium.