Athletes savour medal moments on day two at our Age Groups

Monday 21st August 2023

Rory Voss takes gold in the U20 Men’s 100m final as athletes ‘run with the wind’ (photo by Bobby Gavin)

Medals and Personal Bests up for grabs ensured an exciting Day Two at our 4J Age Group Champs in Aberdeen.

Many of the youngest athletes in our clubs were involved as the U13s took part in National Championships – some experiencing competition for the first time.

And our U20 programme concluded with the second raft of events providing worthy medallists as those athletes start to prepare to try and move towards the Senior ranks.

For the second day in a row, our scottishathletics Officials worked with staff at Aberdeen Sports Village and Aberdeen AAC volunteers to set up the sprint events as ‘run with the wind’ on the back straight.

Adding further interest locally there was an afternoon visit from GB and Scotland international and multiple medallist, Zoey Clark, who helped us presenting medals. Zoey is a superb role model for athletes of all ages.

‘It is always good for the club to be helping to host a national championships event and we’re delighted to welcome the Age Groups to Aberdeen,’ said Eoghan MacNamara, Aberdeen AAC vice president and coach.

‘This is one of the best facilities in Scotland and for the likes of today (Saturday) there are two photo finish systems set up – and athletes have had the chance to ‘run with the wind’ on the back straight.

That gives sprinters better times and encourages young athletes.

‘It’s good to see young athletes here competing at the Age Groups. You need as big numbers as possible at U13 and U15 to help the development of the sport. They are here getting the experience of going through the Call Room and for some of the younger ones that can be alien to them.

‘So it is all about learning and preparing them for the future. It’s good to see so many enjoying themselves.’

Rory Voss enjoyed the ‘run with the wind’ feature to win the U20 Men’s 100m sprint in 10.68 with a + 2.8 wind. In fact, five athletes were sub 11 seconds in that final with the help of the tailwind.

‘It’s good for athletes and a new PB for me so thanks to the Officials for making it happen,’ said Rory, who is coached by Francis Smith.

Kaya Slater completed a 100m/200m double with the Reading AC athlete joined in Aberdeen by her dad Roddy, a Scotland athletes in the early 1990s.

Dawn Russell was another athlete adding a second gold as she won the Women’s Hammer to add to her javelin title from Saturday.

Hanah Ryding took the Women’s 1500m final as the GB international at cross country pulled away from Commonwealth Youth Games finalist, Millie McClelland Brooks of Inverclyde AC.

The two 400m finals saw the winners complete doubles. Ben Heron added to his 400m Hurdles title while U17 athlete Holly Ovens impressed again to add the one-lap title to her 800m victory on Saturday.

Conal Farquhar of Kilbarchan AAC and Darcie Black of Dunfermline won sprint hurdles golds. Darcie later added the long jump title. There were discus golds for Meghan Porterfield and Logan Mitchell.

Kaya Slater on her way to U20 Women’s sprint double with 100m victory on Sunday (photo by Bobby Gavin)

U20 champions

Women’s Hammer: Dawn Russell (Kilbarchan AAC) 45.72m

Men’s Hammer: Callum Hendry (VP-Glasgow) 56.61m

Women’s 100m: Kaya Slater (Reading AC) 12.01

Men’s 100m: Rory Voss (Pitreavie AAC) 10.68

Men’s 2000m Steeplechase: Caleb Brock (Aberdeen AAC) 6:17.71

Women’s 1500m Steeplechase: Ariane Baillie (Pitreavie AAC) 5:15.03

Women’s Shot: Amy Kennedy (Cumbernauld AAC) 12.89m

Men’s Shot: Logan Mitchell (Kilmarnock Harriers) 14.53m

Women’s 1500m: Hannah Ryding (Giffnock North) 4:29.40

Men’s 1500m: Logan Beagley (Livingston AC) 4:03.45

Women’s 400m: Holly Ovens (Fife AC) 57.06

Men’s 400m: Ben Heron (North Ayrshire AC) 49.28

Women’s 100m Hurdles: Darcie Black (Dunfermline) 15.43

Men’s 110m Hurdles: Conal Farquhar (Kilbarchan AAC) 14.85

Women’s Triple Jump: Matilda Brockley (Annan and District) 11.92m

Men’s Triple Jump: Lachlan MacBeth (Inverness Harriers) 12.18m

Women’s Long Jump: Darcie Black (Dunfermline) 5.64m

Men’s Discus: Logan Mitchell (Kilmarnock Harriers) 41.45m

Women’s Discus: Meghan Porterfield (VP-Glasgow) 43.61m

+++

Scottish National Championships Aberdeen 2023, Airdrie Harriers Making Memorys? pic.twitter.com/vh3Vlx9Ex3

— kirsty renwick (@kirstyrenwick2) August 19, 2023

The emphasis at our U13 National Champs is more on development and enjoyment than competition.

But there’s no doubt many of the youngest athletes at our clubs savoured making finals or even the podium with the award of national championships special to athletes, coaches and families.

A number of clubs enjoyed their Aberdeen experience, too, with reports of overnight stays and ‘club bonding’ via the trip to the Granite City.

‘I don’t recall as many U13s being at a national champs and we’re delighted to bring them through from Inverness Harriers,’ said coach Grant Nairn.

‘Giving them a chance to compete is what is it all about and Aberdeen is such a good facility that it is enjoyable to be here, although still a pretty long one for us if making a day trip.’

U13 Champions

Girls 800m: Dionne Maguinness (Airdrie Harriers) 2:24.70

Boys 800m: Kian Dick (Giffnock North AC) 2:19.17

Boys 100m: Cameron Kennedy (Aberdeen AAC) 12.35

Girls 100m: Amy Plunkett (Giffnock North AC) 13.03

Boys 200m: Cameron Kennedy (Aberdeen AAC) 26.59

Girls 1500m: Imogen Turner (Team East Lothian) 5:11.06

Boys 1500m: Gregor McNaught (Springburn Harriers) 4:41.95

Boys 75mH: Michael Massey (Pitreavie AAC) 12.30

Girls 70mH: Beth Gladston (Kilmarnock H&AC) 11.64

Girls 200m: Amy Plunkett (Giffnock North AC) 27.31

Girls High Jump: Dionne Maguinness (Airdrie Harriers) 1.52m