Hopes are high for the youngsters setting off for the 95th English Schools’ Track & Field Championships this weekend.
A total of 70 of the county’s most talented athletes have been selected following months of hard work and determination.
The championships, featuring junior, inter and senior athletes from 46 English counties, will take place at Birmingham’s prestigious Alexander Stadium.
Athletes are en route to the city today, ahead of the competition which runs from Friday to Saturday.
Among them are several medallists from last year who will be hoping to build on their previous success.
One of those is Alice Howie, who is aiming to win her fifth English Schools’ title in the senior girls’ hammer. Alice presently tops the UK rankings some five metres ahead of her main rival.
Last year’s Inter girl medallists, Jaiten Best (silver in the triple jump) and Ava Hayes (bronze in the
pole vault), will be stepping up to the senior girl age category and looking to match their previous successes.
Also stepping up an age group from junior to inter girl is Isabella Buchanan in the 1500m, who has won a silver medal in the last two championships. She will have her eyes set on the gold this year.
Both Florence Matten and Milo Hilborne (won silvers in the pole vault last year. Still a junior, Florence will be seeking to better this as will Milo moving up to the inter age group.
Senior girl, Ava James, has been enjoying an amazing season so far, recently winning the national championships in the Under 20 3000m steeplechase last weekend, and has been selected for the GB 
team at the World Under 20s. On Saturday she will be aiming for the 1500 steeplechase title.
Another exciting steeplechaser is inter boy, Ben Stewart, who has only recently taken up the 1500m s/c, and is currently ranked number one in the country.
The ESAA Track & Field Champs brings together the best young athletes from across the country, and it is a great achievement to be selected to compete. Congratulations to everyone travelling to Birmingham, and good luck over the weekend.
A big thank you also goes to the coaches, and all the team managers and volunteers who give up their time and work tirelessly to make this weekend happen.