What a weekend we have had! The U16 Cyprus Nationals were held at the weekend; the culmination of training for the 2017/2018 running season for our U16 Squad.
The year’s work has certainly paid off! We had 12 athletes competing, many on both days; 7 athletes achieved podium positions, many of them twice and in addition to that there were a huge number of personal bests achieved. Everyone ran extremely well and should be proud of themselves. We displayed good team work, were supportive of each other and those around us and congratulated everyone for their brilliant efforts. We were also lucky enough to have a strong group of unwavering and vocal supporters in the stands! With a weekend of racing there were also lessons that could be learned on Saturday that could be put into play on Sunday, resulting in some even more dynamic and confident running. Of particular note are the following:
Alicia Finnis (2005) reached the podium twice coming first in both the 1000m and 600m with a time of 3.12 and 1.46 respectively. She has continued to go from strength to strength through the season as both were personal bests.
Annabel Rhodes (2005) ran two superb races storming to victory in the 300m with a new personal best; a time of 44 seconds, and coming second in the 600m with a time of 1.48. In the latter race Annabel and Alicia demonstrated some excellent team work as they took turns to lead the race.
Cara Branton (2005) a relatively new member of the squad demonstrated some exciting potential in her first National races in the squad coming second in the 300m and a very respectable 4th in the 600m. She achieved personal bests in both races.
Marios Antreou (2005) came 4th in the 1000m and ran a superb race on Sunday achieving 3rd position and a new PB of 1.40 for the 600m.
Christos Asonitis (2005) ran very strongly to come second in the 300m with a new PB of 43 seconds.
Charalampos Menoikou (2004) had a fantastic weekend coming second in the 1000m with a time of 3.04, and ran a superb 600m on Sunday where he got a new PB, coming first with a time of 1.34. He completely controlled the race where he ran comfortably for the first 400m and with an impressive turn of speed over the last 200m he took a very comfortable and impressive victory.
Irini Christou (2004) came 5th in both her races. She got rather boxed in on the 1000m but despite this she still managed to achieve a personal best which is fantastic.
Anna Makkoutide (2003) ran the 300m coming 3rd with a new PB of 42 seconds.
Kyriakos Vasiliou (2003) got two personal bests in the both the 1000m and 600m. Huge congratulations!
Well done to all the athletes that took part; it isn’t just about winning but about challenging yourself to be a better, fitter “you” and having fun in the process. Everyone ran with courage and determination; it is no mean feat to run in the stadium with a crowd watching. Well done and we look forward to seeing our squad develop further next year. For the majority the races are now finished, it is time for some rest and recuperation starting with dragon boating on Wednesday!
