Three of AFD’s finest travelled to Braga in Portugal to compete in the European Indoor Champs
Jen Temple, in her first International trip abroad and first experience running indoors ran a seasons best of 72.7 in the V35 400, finishing 4th in her heat. Two days later, She competed in the 800m final, running strongly, Jen made her move with 2 laps to go eventually finishing 7th in 2.42.7 knocking 10 second off her lifetime best set as a junior!
Alan Leiper went into the championship in great form increasing his own British V60 Shot Putt to 14.42 in the recent Run Jump Throw Series in Sheffield.
Alan had a busy week! He set PB’s in the Hammer (40.65), Javelin (40.74) and the Weighted Throw (14.89) and a season’s best in the Discus (38.81).
In his strongest event, Alan came through to become European V60 Shot Put Champion, 12cm ahead of 2nd, fellow Brit, Michael Hausler.
Mark Symes started his campaign by winning his 800m heat in 2.04.2 showing great control. He went into the final confident of a medal however, after a great start he found himself boxed in and came through on the line for 2nd but was DQ’d for pushing!
In the 1500m later that week, Mark was up against fellow Brit, Tony O’Brien, the new V50 3000m Champ (9.04.54) In a fast start, Mark took the lead with 3 laps to go; only Tony and Spaniard, Julio Bardavio Atienza could hold on; Tony hit the lead at the bell however, Mark used his trademark blistering sprint to take the European title in a new British V50 indoor record 4.09.62 (to be ratified) with less than 2 seconds between the medalists
