Wales’ up and coming track and field stars will aiming to emulate Olympic heroes and an Arsenal midfielder this weekend at the Welsh Junior Championships in Cardiff (12-13 January 2008).
The event is the breeding ground of tomorrow’s champions. Records are still held by Olympic stars Colin Jackson, Tim Benjamin and Philippa Roles as well as Arsenal midfielder Jayne Ludlow who excelled in triple jump as a youngster.
Conwy’s Rachel Johncock has recently been recruited to the Welsh Athletics Talent Development Academy and will feature in the under 15 line up at the National Indoor Athletics Centre, Cardiff. She will be going all out to defend her 200m title.
Johncock has followed in the footsteps of her grandfather who ran the 220 yards for Scotland. Before taking to the track however, she competed on the cliff face as a successful rock climber.
She will be among the under-15 and under-17 athletes who will have their sights set on impressing the selectors prior to the under-16 schools international next month.
Swansea Harrier Sarah Dacey is also a name to note. The 16-year-old Skewen athlete will be aiming to defend her 2007 under-17 long jump title. Her father Malcolm Dacey, the skilful Swansea fly-half may have been known for his drop goals and imagination, but Sarah is no less ambitious and is targeting Olympic and Commonwealth Games.
Meanwhile Chris Howe of Cardiff will be looking to produce a golden double in the under-20 60m and 200m.
For more information, please contact
Jane Williams at Welsh Athletics on 029 2033 8274.
If you would like to be on the results mailing list, please contact darran.williams@welshathletics.org
