FOUR junior athletes did the Isle of Wight proud at the prestigious English Schools National Cross Country Championships — but it was particularly disappointing for one girl who will not be able to represent England because of coronavirus.
Henry McLuckie, Robyn Fossa, Campbell Laird and Maisey Kent were selected for the championships at Liverpool’s Sefton Park, following their impressive recent performances at the Hampshire County Championships and at the South East Inter-Counties Championships, in Essex.
From them, the top eight athletes were selected to represent Hampshire and Vectis (Isle of Wight).
The long trip north was well worth it as Hampshire and Vectis ran out overall winners from the three age group competition (junior, intermediate and senior).
With 45 counties competing, the victory was aided by four very good runs from the Island students.
Robyn and Maisey ran in the girls’ U15 race — a 3km event over flat terrain, which was extremely wet and muddy underfoot, creating a greater than expected challenge for the Islanders.
Top of the class was Robyn, a Christ the King College Year 9 student who, from the off, was in the leading pack of 20.
Robyn gradually worked her way into the top ten, from the 350 starters, by the half-way point.
During the long run into the finish, Robyn timed her effort to perfection — overtaking athletes in her sprint to the line over the final 400m to finish an outstanding sixth, clocking 11mins 22secs on the muddy circuit.
Each year, the top eight at the English Schools are rewarded with an England vest, qualifying them, to compete against Scotland, Wales and Ireland in an international event.
But because of coronavirus, the meeting has had to be cancelled — a huge disappointment for Robyn after earning her chance to represent her country.
Robyn, who was due to represent England at a Home International meeting in Scotland last weekend, said: “It is unfortunate, as I really aimed to get in the top eight.
“I am upset to miss out on such a great experience to run for England, but I totally respect the decision to cancel the event.
“I have had a great time this season and I will aim to get in next year.”
Maisey, who attends the Island Free School, Ventnor, had the run of her life to finish an outstanding 84th in a time of 12.15.
Hampshire and Vectis took third place, with Robyn first from the squad and Maisey, the fifth scorer.
After an excellent cross-country season, Ryde School’s Campbell Laird produced another gutsy run to finish 37th and second scorer for the county, coming in at 19.21 in a highly competitive intermediate (U17) boys’ race.
He made a positive start to be near the front, and it was only in the closing stages he passed by a handful of runners.
The last race of the day was the senior boys’ (sixth form) race, with Hampshire’s team captain, Henry, who attends the IW College, leading the way.
In a tough race, Henry was among the leaders from the gun over the 6.7km course, but in the closing stages, he gradually dropped off the pace, but continued to battle for every place.
Although he was disappointed with his run, Henry still finished a creditable 14th in 21.38 — a short distance behind the leaders.
Once the nation has been given the all-clear from coronavirus, preparations will be made by all four athletes to again represent Hampshire and Vectis for the Schools Track and Field Championships in Manchester.
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