Sophie aiming to build on her Schools medal
0 Comments | Western Daily Press, Jul 24, 2010 | by KEVIN FAHEY
Sophie Upton is aiming to raise the bar another notch today when she competes in the Birmingham Games at Alexander Stadium.
After her first senior medal in the England Athletics Championships last weekend, the 19-year-old Wiltshire pole vaulter, from Melksham, is now hoping to end the season with another improvement to her personal best of 4.10m.
“I feel I am starting to make the transition from being a junior last year into the senior ranks this summer and winning medals,” said Upton. “I was fifth in the European trials (UK Championships) and now third at Gateshead. It shows I’m moving in the right direction. It has been a very successful season for me and I have been really pleased with it.
“Now I’m hoping that I can jump higher before the season is over – starting with the Birmingham Games this weekend.”
Also at Birmingham will be Gloucester-based hammer thrower Zoe Derham, Amy Woodman (long jump), Claire Linskill (triple jump), Kylie Russell (100 &200m), Cameron Walker-Shepherd and Jamie Courtenay (both pole vault). Bristol & West AC have named a strong squad for the British League Knock-out Cup competition at Yate today with opposition from top Welsh clubs Cardiff AC, Swansea Harriers and Newport plus Exeter Harriers, Swindon Harriers and Severn AC.
Middle distance runners Steve Mitchell, Harry Webb, Mike Wilsmore and Katie Knowles are among the runners heading to Belfast tonight for the British Milers’ Grand Prix.
Westbury Harrier Emma D’Alton will start favourite for the Gloucester half marathon in Newent tonight (6pm) after success in the Frampton 10k. Fresh from her victory in the Haytor Heller 6, Lucy Commander will tackle the Yelverton 6 Moor Miles event tomorrow(10.30am)