Athletes from across Sussex turned out in style at the Young People’s Open Meeting at Lewes this week.
Nearly 400 had pre-entered and with weather conditions calm and dry, standards were high.
The Wednesday evening event was held in replacement of the usual Sussex Under 15 League, and was also open to Under 17s (with limited events for Under 13s).
There were plenty of shining performances among the Under 15s, where for many it was the first time they had competed in two years, if ever at all.
One of those in fine form was Elodie Bradley. Following a solid 12.9 in the 100m, the Brighton and Hove AC athlete flew round the bend in the 200m clocking a 26.33 (PB) – taking her up the national rankings. This was also the case for team-mate Joseph Campbell (U15B) who ran a PB of 24.11.
Brighton Phoenix Under 15 endurance runners’ Matthew Noakes and Owen Wallek looked strong in the 800m, both clocking PBs. Noakes 2:10.72 and Wallek 2:10.92. 
In the 1500m Joshua Dunne (Chichester) ran an impressive 4:26.63 whilst Jude Clayton (Brighton and Hove) ran 4:30.03.
Yuna Hadlow (Lewes) pole vaulted a PB of 2.50, which puts her 3rd in the national rankings.
There were PBs for Madeleine Way (Horsham Blue Stars) 5m and Stella Kalman (Brighton and Hove) 4.92 in the long jump, whilst Worthing District Harrier Rebecca Roberts threw a brilliant 35.70 in the hammer.
The Under 17s were not going to let the Under 15s steal all the limelight with many athletes gaining PBs across events.
In the 800m, the Wormley twins from Crawley knocked 5 seconds off their PBs with Charlotte clocking 2:12 and Lauren 2:12.54, whilst Eastbourne’s Eleanor Streven’s ran 2:15.76.
Yasmin Kashdan (Crawley) seems to be going from strength to strength since competitions resumed and this was still the case in the 1500m on the night. Her PB of 4.35.74 ranks her 6th in the country.
It was also PBs for discus throwers, Hayley Emerson (Horsham Blue Stars) 31.68 and Emma Kimber (Crawley) 29.94, who both looked strong. 
In the long jump Amber Purcell leaped an impressive 5.31 – a 12 cm PB.
As dusk fell, the flood lights came on and the competition came to a close. The evening was a success for so many reasons, but mainly it was fantastic to see the county’s youngsters out competing again.
Thank you to all the organisers, particularly Lewes AC and the officials who as always worked tirelessly. Without volunteers no events could take place, so if anyone wants to get involved and keep athletics flourishing please contact Kate Matthews matthews2000@live.co.uk