Back at the track – at last !

Andrew Pozzi wears his silver medal with pride. He was this close ! Return to the track Good news! I’ve spoken to Stratford School and I’m pleased to say we will be returning to the track on Tuesday 30th March and then training will continue thereafter on our normal days. The Monday training sessions will resume on 12th April as the Easter Bank Holiday is on the 5th. More details will be sent out shortly after some details are resolved with the school but one thing is clear that the protocols that we followed pre lockdown will again be implemented for all training sessions i.e. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. This includes access and egress to the track, use of sanitiser, social distancing etc. Paul Bearman First of all this week is the news we have all been waiting for - the return to the track. Then it's a story of two second places. Andrew Pozzi's magnificent silver medal in the European Indoor Championships and our ladies' racewalking team moving up to 2nd place in the Racewalking Association's Virtual League. Okay I may not exactly be comparing apples with apples. Finally, team manager John Raby reports on the club's very successful outcome in the England Athletics Virtual Road Relays. I will not be sorry when I can stop typing the word Virtual ! Take care Best Wishes David Jones. Andrew Pozzi in action in Torun. Big oak trees from little acorns grow. European Indoor Championships Report - Paul Bearman A major athletics championships usually has a noisy and enthusiastic British contingent cheering on the athletes. However, in the stadium in Torun that was devoid of supporters, it suddenly came to life when Andrew Pozzi lined up for the final of the 60m Hurdles and the raucous Italian athletes sitting in the stands “adopted” Andrew. Not only does he train in Italy but his family roots have Italian connections. They were cheering even more loudly as he became the first British male athlete to win a medal at the championships, amongst the brilliant British female athletes. Prior to the championships Andrew told me he knew Wilhem Belocian was going to be his biggest threat and that’s just how it turned out. Going into the championships Andrew was in great shape and really flying in training that was backed up by 2 very convincing competitive races. After very classy and fast winning runs in their respective heats and semi-finals for both Andrew and Belocian, it was clear the two big names were going to be the ones to beat in the final; and so it transpired that was how the race ended. A much improved start by Andrew meant he was to the important first barrier in synch with Belocian and like 2 top class prize fighters they slugged it out down the track, in flawless demonstrations of hurdling and reached the line still in synch but Belocian was given the nod for the gold by the thickness of a vest. Andrew equalled…