Road Running p9
Competition review p7
Roll of Honour p20
Hall of Fame p21
Realising our potential
2007—08 Welsh Athletics Annual Report
5011 athletes belonging to 71 clubs supported by 480 active coaches 354 active officials and you‌
Welsh Athletics
www.welshathletics.org
Foreword by the President & Report from the Chair of the Board
Foreword In the following pages are reports on various aspects of the activities of Welsh Athletics Limited, reflecting on the events of the past year and indicating plans for future developments. In an eventful year since the last AGM, when the company was a mere six months old, the whole organisational structure has been reviewed and proposals for change will be considered at the AGM. One major development was the construction of the superb new athletics track at Leckwith. As well as providing excellent facilities for Welsh Athletics’ administrative headquarters, which moved in there in September, it is anticipated that the stadium will be the venue for some top class athletics meetings in future years. In this Olympic year two Welsh athletes, Christian Malcolm and Philippa Roles, were included in the British team for Beijing and deserve our warmest congratulations. At an excellent presentation dinner, the achievements of both past and present champions were recognised. With world standards continually improving Wales must make plans for the development of athletes at all levels. There is the ever
present need for more coaches and officials and these needs are being addressed. All these and other subjects will be covered in this report. It is always gratifying to see the contribution that some of our dedicated people make being officially recognised, and appropriate awards will be announced at the AGM. On a sadder note, I must record the passing of Ann Hill (coach), Eileen Haskins, MBE (official), Pat Parkes (administrator), Terry Thomas (official) and Ted Kelland (athlete), all of whom served our sport with distinction in their respective fields. Also John Cronin, who collapsed and died during the Glynneath Boxing Day road race. Thanks are due to all those, both volunteers and staff, who have contributed to the success of Welsh Athletics and who will undoubtedly continue to do so. There is much we can look back on with satisfaction; there is much we can look forward to with anticipation. Alan Currie President, Welsh Athletics Ltd
Report from the Chair In reflecting the achievements of Welsh Athletics over the past year, I am confident that we have a strong and secure governance structure in place for our sport. Staff team members lead by our CEO Matt Newman and key volunteers have been engaged in a considerable amount of focused group work to achieve what I believe to be a streamlined and transparent structure. The expertise and strong steer from the Board of Directors has clearly been influential in the evolution of the company. Links between the Board, the General Council, Regional Athletics Councils, Sub committees and task groups will now be clearer, I wish to thank all those individuals who have contributed to this process. An analysis of the ‘activity’ profile of Welsh Athletics will reveal that at the time of writing, twenty eight projects were being undertaken by the staff team and volunteers. The working relationship between staff and volunteers is crucial if we are to achieve our mission statement. The Board and General Council have an important role to play in determining and effecting strategies to strengthen these relationships. The roles and responsibilities of both the staff team and key volunteers will therefore be reviewed in the coming months in order to further develop this working relationship.
Commercial activity over the past year has focused on confirming and extending revenue streams with our two main funding partners as well as the development of marketing tools to attract new sponsors. It is anticipated that the re-branding exercise and the production of a marketing brochure will result in additional sponsorship and secure ongoing support from our current sponsors. Life has been particularly difficult for the staff team at the Welsh Athletics office and I would like to thank them for their patience, commitment and application during this difficult period. Having to re-locate three times in one year has been an enormous challenge and all colleagues have responded admirably. We now have a modern office and meeting room at the new Cardiff Stadium. A special thanks to the City of Cardiff Council for their support in providing a home for Welsh Athletics in the new Cardiff International Sports Stadium. Welsh Athletics is already in discussion with the City of Cardiff, the Welsh Assembly Government and UKA to bring major events to Cardiff and other parts of Wales. The further development of performance centres has been high on the agenda over the past year and there has been considerable
investment in promoting the National Indoor Athletics Centre to become the next UK HIPAC centre. Working with UKA and SCW we have been able to secure two additional appointments, a strength and conditioning coach and a physiotherapist. In addition, the setting up of three Athletic Development Centres in Cardiff, Deeside and Swansea will strengthen regional athletics activity for both clubs and schools for the simultaneous development of athletes and coaches / teachers. These centres will be fully supported by coordinators, coaches and the National Coaching Team. The performance of athletes during the past year has given us a great deal to be proud of. My sincere congratulations to both Christian Malcolm and Philippa Roles on their selection for the Beijing Olympics. Both athletes overcame difficulties prior to selection; Christian’s problems were health related and Philippa was not funded by UKA, this makes their performances and selection even more special. A number of our younger athletes have also produced some exciting performances during the year; there have been a number of excellent individual and team results which bodes well for the future. Performances in UKA age group Championships, the Celtic Games, SIAB, the UK Schools
Games and off track have been particularly encouraging. Many of these results serve to reaffirm the successful partnership and close working relationships with the Welsh Schools Athletic Association.
It is important that Welsh Athletics continues to have a close working relationship with UKA. The CEO group representing the four Home Countries is now making a significant difference in terms of influencing policy and The focus for the coming practice. This has resulted year will be on delivering the in the Home Countries being following: given devolved responsibility for the implementation of a * The production of a Business variety of functions previously Plan for the cycle 2009 undertaken centrally. We – 2013. must therefore ensure * Sponsorship and income that we have the skills and generation with the view to resources to deliver these improving and extending effectively. In addition to athletics provision at all the CEO’s forum a number levels. of senior members of * Club and Regional staff and key officials are development. directly involved in the * The provision of a UKA Members Council, competition structure across Committees and Task groups all disciplines which will which serve to ensure support the athlete pathway. that we are up to date and * The further development able to respond to recent of coach and officials’ developments. education. * The development and In looking forward we want implementation of Welsh Athletics Ltd to be a an effective PR and strong and secure voice for Communication strategy. our sport in Wales, where the * The strengthening of membership has a vital role alliances with our strategic to play in influencing the way partners to take advantage in which the sport grows and of new opportunities to develops. enhance the development of athletics at all levels Lynette Harries * The further development of Chair of the Board of strategies to increase the Directors volunteer workforce. * To produce an effective Performance Management strategy and CPD programme for existing staff.
Welsh Athletics
www.welshathletics.org
Matt Newman - Chief Executive Officer
Our purpose: Inspiring participation, performance and excellence; running, jumping, throwing ‌ achieving! Since September 2007, the Board’s vision and my approach to leading the organisational change within Welsh Athletics has been focused on the need to establish a modern, credible, national governing body for athletics in Wales. This approach is based on a two phase plan. Firstly, by establishing organisational stability through the solid business foundations of financial control and effective governance. Secondly, by redefining a vision for athletics in Wales and communicating this in the next four-year strategic plan to our key stakeholders and funding agencies. The progress this year has been excellent and I would like to thank the staff, committee and working party members for their contributions. As we approach the end of the first phase, the move into our new office accommodation and the launch of the new brand image provide a clear statement of the changing face of Welsh Athletics. The strategic planning is now driven by a November deadline to produce our next four-year strategic plan and one year operational plan. These documents will set-out the strategic aims for the next cycle (2009-2013) and will show how the combined efforts of the staff and volunteer teams will be harnessed towards the delivery of our strategic objectives.
Welsh Athletics
CMYK Master Brand Logotype
Within the surplus, funds are ring-fenced for the Commonwealth Games in 2010, coach education and the joint initiative with the Welsh Schools Athletic Association. Regular financial updates are provided to our Board and the General Council will also receive a summary of our financial performance on a quarterly basis in the future.
Autographs
Welsh Athletics is proud to publish this book.
6008 WA 1958 Games Bk_COVER.indd1 1
design: www.blacksheep.info
The Story of the VIth British Empire & Commonwealth Games CLIVE WILLIAMS
Despite the difficult financial climate, it is expected that a number of additional sponsorship contracts can be secured ahead of the 2012 games. These will add to the excellent support provided by Brecon Carreg, S4C, Run & Become, Black Sheep and the numerous other companies who assist Welsh Athletics with the provision of support and services.
Trinity & the Website The move towards a more efficient use of our resources inevitably means the appropriate use of IT systems. The Welsh Athletics website is a key resource and will be reviewed to ensure it provides the information you require over the coming years. 2009 will also see us implement the Trinity contact management system. This web-based system will initially assist clubs with the registration of athletes and will eventually provide a central database to support competition entry, coach and officials education and communication with the athletics community in Wales.
An Athletics Perspective
The key to our financial health is continuing to work with our major funding partners, SCW & UKA, while at the same time, actively campaigning for additional sponsorship and improving the revenue streams generated by our events programme.
Governance Since the incorporation of the organisation at the AGM in October 2007, a working party has been reviewing the governance structure within the organisation with a view to improving the overall efficiency and accountability of the various groups. I am sure that you will all recognise the need to install an efficient structure and support the amendments at this year’s AGM. The sign-off of this structure will ensure that all efforts are directed into improving the state of athletics in Wales. I would also like to praise the Welsh Schools Athletic Association for establishing a close working relationship with Welsh Athletics and for their efforts in developing structures which give opportunities to all schoolage children in Wales.
Media & PR Support Games in Cardiff. Athletes Logotype Over the past year, media CMYK Master from Welsh the 1958 Games were and PR support has been honoured at the dinner. provided by the SCW and we thank Jane Williams and her Athletics Development team for their efforts. Centres Recently, three ADC’s have However, the Board has been unveiled in Cardiff, now identified that this area Deeside and Swansea and requires in-house ownership will form the hub of regional and we will look to support activity for the development press and media coverage of coaches and athletes. with an appointment in the The ADC’s will provide an Stadiwm Chwaraeon near future. athletics curriculum based Rhyngwladol Caerdydd on the run/jump/throw Annual Awards Dinner model and will provide a Those of you who attended dedicated environment the 2nd Annual Awards and for coach education and Hall of Fame Dinner at the development. The ADC’s will Vale of Glamorgan Resort be supported by a National and Spa on 19th September Coaching Team who will be Welsh Logotype will have enjoyed a fantasticCMYK Master tasked with the education evening. A full list of winners and mentoring of coaches in is shown towards the end the regions. of this publication. Special thanks go to the organising Commonwealth Games committee for a supreme 2010 effort. The team of Carol Over the winter months Anthony, Karlijn Asveld, some excellent work has Mike Delaney, Clive Williams been done establishing and Steve Brace worked international selection continually throughout the standards for track & field. year to ensure the event This work has now been Cardiff International went smoothly. Particular extended set realistic SportstoStadium thanks go to Clive Williams, targets for Commonwealth Games athletes for the 2010 games in New Delhi. These standards have been submitted to the Commonwealth Games Council for Wales and will be published in the near future.
MONO Master Brand Logotype
MONO Master Welsh Logotype
Stadiwm Chwar Rhyngwladol Ca
MONO Master Welsh Logotype
Cardiff Internat Sports Stadium
Pe A t h A n rs let pe ics ct iv e
Financial Summary The end-of-year accounts to March 2008 have been distributed to members for AGM approval. The accounts show an income of £904,410 against expenditure of £789,020. Although a 35% increase in income over the 2006/7 figure of £666,251 is a healthy indicator, the additional income is largely due to increased SCW investment (£517,074) and the transfer of reserves from AAW (£56,976).
www.welshathletics.org
CISS Master Brand Palette
pire British Em of the VIth es The Story nwealth Gam & Commo
PANTONE Cool Gray 8 C
c:00
m:01
y:00
k:4
PANTONE Red 032 C
c:00
m:90
y:86
k:0
PANTONE 299 C
c:85
m:19
y:00
k:0
PANTONE 130 C
c:00
m:30
y:100 k:0
CLIVE WILLIAMS
17/9/08 09:37:46
who also took time to publish a celebration booklet commemorating the 50th anniversary of the British Empire & Commonwealth
Welsh Athletics
www.welshathletics.org
visiting teams from Ireland, Scotland, England and UWIC. An indoor U16 Schools International was also held. A number of personal bests were achieved by Welsh athletes and the day finished with England winning the U20 match and Scotland retaining the senior match. In order to further improve the event we need to persuade sponsors to come on board so that we can encourage even more quality athletes to participate in what has become an important, established fixture in the UK athletics calendar.
in kind; with the organisation of the Championships. Once again a number of athletes achieved personal bests and improved their positions on the ‘Power of 10’ rankings. I would also like to thank members of Swansea Harriers and Deeside Athletic Club for their help with ancillary duties at both Championships as well as all officials who give up so much of their free time to ensure our events are efficiently and effectively run.
Joyce Tomala - Track & Field Committee Secretary
Track & Field This report is written on behalf of the members of the Track and Field committee and is a result of contributions from team leaders and chief officials whose reports from leagues, fixtures, championships and the competition review have enabled me to compile the track and field element of the Welsh Athletics Limited Annual Report. I offer my sincere thanks to all contributors. I would like to express my personal indebtedness to Brenda Currie who has once again contributed an invaluable service; acting as minute’s secretary to both the Track and Field and Selection committees. I would also like to extend my gratitude to members of the Track and Field Committee for their attendance at meetings and competitions this year. The Track and Field committee would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our Olympians
and Paralympians on their selection for this year’s Olympics and Paralympics. Both Christian Malcolm and Philippa Roles were successful youngsters and competed for their respective clubs in a number of grass root events, before gaining their first Welsh vests at the Celtic Games, then progressing through to full Welsh and British International honours. Many of the youngsters who have competed this year have the potential to follow in the footsteps of both Christian and Philippa if they are given appropriate coaching and support. We must ensure we identify and nurture our talented athletes thus ensuring that they do indeed reach their full potential. A number of our athletes have achieved outstanding results in a range of ‘Track and Field’ meetings from grass roots through to the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Once again the majority of athletes; no matter what the level of
competition; have proved that the support offered to them has been appreciated and worthwhile. Track & Field Events The year started with indoor open meetings followed by the Indoor Championships, Inter City Challenge and indoor Celtic Cup. The semi finals of the Inter City Challenge were held in Cardiff this year. Thanks to the commitment of the team we were able to compete in all events. This resulted in qualification for the final, which was again held in Sheffield. Although a few personal bests were achieved by our athletes’ home advantage once again proved to be the deciding factor as Sheffield were champions for the third year running. The indoor International was renamed the Indoor Celtic Cup this year. The International was contested by Under 20 and Senior Welsh teams as well as
This year the outdoor ‘Age Group’ Championships were held on separate weekends. The Senior Championships and U13 and U15 Championships were held on the same weekend in Swansea; and the U17 and U20 Championships were held in Deeside. On behalf of Welsh Athletics I would like to express our thanks to Swansea City Council and Swansea University as well as Deeside College for their support; both financial and
The Combined Events Championships were held in Carmarthen. This event was a combination of Welsh Athletics and Welsh Schools Championships for Combined Events. Our thanks are expressed to the organisers and Carmarthen Harriers and Carmarthen Council for supporting this event. Peter Stafford; Welsh Athletics Competition Manager; and Karlijn Asveld; Welsh Athletics Office Manager; kindly organised a meal after the Inter-regional Championships in Brecon
for all officials who have supported events in Wales this year. The meal was very much appreciated by the officials and on their behalf I would like to thank both Peter and Karlijn for their kind gesture. May I take this opportunity to congratulate Carmarthen Harriers; the winners of The Welsh Junior League; and Cwmbran Harriers; the winners of the Welsh Senior League this year. The winners of the Senior League will compete against teams from both the Irish and Scottish Leagues in the inaugural Celtic Clubs Cup; which will be held in April 2009. Outdoor fixtures attended this year included internationals and representative fixtures in Loughborough, Derby and Grangemouth. Congratulations are extended to all athletes gaining Welsh selection this year as well as those achieving GB selection. It has been a pleasure to be associated with athletes who; in the vast majority; have demonstrated exemplar behaviour and mature attitudes both on and off the track. Once again we can be justifiably proud of our athletes who are not only a credit to Wales but also to their clubs, parents and coaches. The first fixture of the season saw our senior team competing in Loughborough. Carys Parry achieved yet another Welsh record in the women’s hammer. Philippa Roles gained the Olympic qualifying distance in the discus and personal best performances were set by 6 athletes. The senior team travelled to Grangemouth for the third Celtic Cup. The team performed to the best of their ability and enjoyed the experience of competing in a short, tightly scheduled, upbeat, fast and exciting programme. The outstanding performance from our team came from Joe Thomas who beat Andy Baddeley in an exciting 800M.
Welsh Athletics
I am delighted to report that a very strong team travelled to Grangemouth, Scotland for this year’s Celtic Games. The team performed exceptionally well, with Wales winning the overall Celtic Games trophy for the first time ever as well as the U16 Girls and overall female trophies. The team included thirty new vests. With a total of seventeen new comers in the U16 age group. Nineteen athletes set personal best performances with twenty one athletes gaining first place; an outstanding achievement for which we congratulate all our youngsters. Sara Otung narrowly missed out on first place in the 75mh, however she was given the same time as the athlete in first place thus breaking the previous Celtic Games record. Another Celtic Games record was broken in the 80mh by new comer Rhys Williams, sadly this time was wind assisted; however I’m pleased to report that Rhys later broke the Welsh record for the U15 age group in the Inter-regional Championships. The final team scores can be seen in the table below. Age Group U16 Girls U18 Women Females U16 Boys U18 Men Males Overall
Wales Athletics Ireland Ulster Points Points Points 38 56 94 30 56 86 180
32 61 93 33 47 80 173
20 36 56 31 38 69 125
Scotland Points 30 50 80 24 64 88 168
The Derby match this year included teams from Scotland, Northern Ireland, Malta and the three competition regions of England. Selection for the match was based on an under twenty team only; a change of policy to previous years when both U23 and U20 teams have been selected. Despite not fielding a full team the majority of athletes performed well which resulted with Wales finishing in a credible 5th place. Notable performances included first paces for David Westbury and Andrew Donno [3000m Steeple Chase], Brett Morse [Discus] and Glyn Hawkes [400m]. David Westbury and Hannah Pendlebury recorded personal bests on the day. On behalf of the athletes; who appreciate the support and guidance they receive; I would like to thank everyone involved with Welsh teams for their dedication and hard work once again this year: * Team Managers Jan Nugent, Peter Walton, Sue Sayer, Martin Bell, Dave Hawthorn, Audrey Bright, Peter Stafford and Darran Williams. * Our statisticians, Marian Williams, Cathy Terrell, Darran Williams and Iain Morgan * Ken Bennett for maintaining the Track and Field Records once again this year * Event coaches and Sports Massage Therapists * Welsh Athletics Office Staff * Welsh Athletics Performance Staff International Selection Standards As a result of the adoption of selection guidelines for events this year we did not field full teams at any of the fixtures attended. Evaluation of this process forms an integral part of the overall Track and Field competition review and will be fully debated during our annual de-brief meeting. The debate is whether we take full teams to fixtures or only take athletes who have reached the guidelines set, the latter has resulted in extremely depleted teams in some incidences this year. This is an important issue which has to be widely debated before a final decision is made. If the principal of
utilising selection guidelines is agreed by member clubs, Regional Councils, General Council and The Board of Directors of Welsh Athletics Limited; The Track and Field Selection Policy, selection criteria and a comprehensive list of selection guidelines will be published and distributed; in both electronic and paper formats; to as wide an audience as possible. Last year I stated that “we must make sure that we work with athlete’s personal coaches as well as performance and development members of staff to ensure athletes are encouraged to plan for and take up the opportunities provided for them at international level”. I cannot stress how important this relationship is, we must endeavour to meet the needs of our developing athletes and potential Commonwealth Games Athletes as well as our elite athletes and we can only do this if we work together as a unified team. Competition Review As a result of working groups set up by the Track and Field Committee a comprehensive competition review document has been produced. The document outlines the results, conclusions drawn and recommendations for the future of each of the groups listed below. The proposals; contained within the document are intended to evoke healthy discussion, which will lead to a consensus of opinion on the way forward for Track and Field competition in Wales The groups focused on the following aspects of Track and Field competition: 1. Competition Period 1: October- March {indoor season} 2. Leagues 3. Event Specific Competition 4. Combined Events 5. Statistics 6. Competition Period 2: April- September {outdoor season} 7. International Competition When evaluating the competitions the groups
www.welshathletics.org
considered the following points: - Value of the competition to athletes performance regardless of age, gender, or ability - Appropriateness of competitions for age groups currently catered for - Calendar of events - Health and Safety issues - Availability of officials - Value for money - Alternative competitions The opportunity for everyone to contribute to the ‘Track and Field Competition Review’ will be realised through a series of road shows around the regions of Wales. Key Stakeholder’s views and support are therefore essential if we are to provide vibrant, dynamic competition for our athletes that will enable them to achieve their true potential irrespective of age, gender, race or ability/level of competition. Change is upon us and we need to act decisively if we are to ensure the changes we embrace fully benefit our sport. We have a duty of care to our athletes to provide appropriately challenging competition for them. We have to ensure that we make the most of the major competitions held on British soil within the next six years. In order to do this we must build on the foundations laid and make sure that we have a lasting legacy for future generations of athletes. We also have a duty of care to our diminishing band of volunteers and Staff Team. We have to ensure all key stakeholders feel valued and respected and are given appropriate opportunities to offer their contributions; often worthwhile and meaningful; to our sport. On behalf of the Track and Field Committee I would like to thank you all for your ceaseless efforts.
Welsh Athletics
www.welshathletics.org
individual victory. The season closed with the first Home Countries International for many years in Edinburgh and as a prelude to the world championships the following day. Teams of juniors and seniors ran together in small elite fields with some of the latter inevitably struggling. Even so both groups gained bronze medals.The following day the whole party watched the world event and supported Dewi Griffiths. He fully justified his GB selection gaining a team medal – a fine end to the season!
who represent the future of our sport at competitive levels. In the short term we need to encourage more of the league participants to contest championships. As one who has promoted leagues as a means of providing meaningful competition I now concede that they have become an end in themselves. They have lessened the attraction of championships, the progression of which at ever higher levels through the season, culminating in the world event was a significant feature in success in our sport. There is also, of course, a much greater choice of sports from which to choose and with whom we compete for participants.
John Collins - Cross Country Committee Secretary
Cross Country Another difficult year with only a small group forming the committee and management, however, we were delighted to welcome some newcomers. As our first event we again sent an Under 17 development squad to the UK challenge meeting in Liverpool. In a high class competition Dewi Griffiths was second in a three way sprint finish giving an indication of his return from illness and presaging things to come. The girl’s race was with the UK Under 20 European trial which meant a tough learning experience for those taking part. The Welsh Inter-regional and Masters championships returned to Llandaff fields, Cardiff in early December. Previous rain meant sections of the course were water logged or extremely muddy, but conditions were not as extreme as the previous season. Early in the New Year came international matches in Belfast and Edinburgh. The latter incorporated the
Celtic International match and was used by the hosts as an organisational trial for the world championships. With Under 20s and Under 23s in races which both included world champions, competition was of the highest level. The Under 15 girls were not over-awed and gave us an excellent start and only failed to win their competition by one point. The Cardiff Cross challenge was again superbly organized by Graham Finlayson. The programme included an Inter-area match plus a full range of races for younger athletes including schools competitors. Our men’s team won their match whilst the women’s race individual winner was former GB international Andrea Witcombe, now resident in Swansea. Early February, saw two British championships held. Swansea hosted the British Universities championship in Singleton park and Torfaen the British Police event in Pontypool park. In both cases there were compliments on the
organization and facilities although some competitors found the courses rather tough. An interesting feature at Swansea was the BUSA Cyclo-cross championship held the following day using the facilities already prepared at the venue. A Welsh Universities championship was computed from the cross country results as a step towards resurrecting a full championship. The Welsh championships returned to Singleton park in February. Whilst numbers were disappointing there was a series of excellent races and several new names gained titles. Cardiff AAC had the first three senior men home but the home club won both senior team titles and the Laurentian Life shield (overall champions). A new venture was the President’s Cup under 20 competition in Dublin . Welsh Athletics and Welsh Schools both sent teams. Strong Irish squads dominated but Adam Bitchell (Welsh Schools) won a narrow but decisive
Looking forward there are several challenges facing us. Firstly, we need to increase numbers and improve retention amongst younger age groups. As indicated in the report there are some promising youngsters whose talents need to be nurtured. Whilst overall league participation appears satisfactory a close examination reveals that it is the ever increasing proportion of veterans (masters) which is compensating for a decrease at lower ages. It is the latter
Our current competition review is seeking to meet the challenges. Cross country as part of endurance running is fortunate in that there does not need to be a divide between recreational and competitive running. The task is to encourage the transition from the former to the latter and to promote progressively higher levels of performance and achievement.
Welsh Athletics
www.welshathletics.org
Hughes, Arwel Lewis, Eric Bailey, Derek Williams and Alex Donald. Gareth Hughes has recently resigned due to pressure of work and we thank him for his insights and contribution.
championships and open road events and a minimum grade 5 for National championship events is a stipulation in the appointment of race referees in Wales. Other officials at National championships should also be of the highest grade available i.e. timekeepers, starters, recorders, results compilers.
Paul Brooks - Road Running Committee Secretary
Road Running
Wales has had another very busy year on the roads in the year since the last A.G.M.
a single point ahead of West, with East third. Thanks to Arwel Lewis for his work.
Welsh Championships We held the following championships:
10 Miles: The event was held within the Teifi race, and was won by Richard Gardiner (Cardiff) in 51:47 with Ann Thomas (Trots) retaining her title in 62:40. Thanks to Wendy Davies for all her help.
5km: The event was again held within the E.C.H.O. Ap Cymru race in Bute Park, Cardiff, and was won by Stephen Davies (Newport) in 13:59. The ladies event was won by Amanda Pritchard (Cardiff) in 16:29. The event also included under 23 international against teams from Scotland and England, which we hope to make an annual event. Thanks to Graham Finlayson for all his work. 10km: The event was held within the Caernarfon event and was won by Michael Johnson (Cardiff) in 31:02, which was a new course record. The women’s event was won by Marilyn Kitching (Tattenhall) in 39:24. The event also included the Welsh Inter Region championships, which were won in the senior men’s category by North Wales;
Half-Marathon: This event was not held this year, but it is hoped to return the championships to the calendar in 2009. Marathon: The senior event was held within the London race, with Richard Gardiner (Cardiff) in 2:20:28 and Clare Martin (Newport) in 2:51:08, taking the titles. The masters’ event was held within the Menter Mon event in Anglesey with the men’s winner the subject of an appeal at the time of writing and Carol Moseley (Port Talbot) in 3:51:52, the first to finish in the championships. Thanks to all at Menter Mon and Ann Lewis and her team for their help.
Inter Area Matches: We attended matches in Chichester, Alsager, Leeds, and Manchester and held our home fixture in Swansea. We have again taken opportunities throughout the year to give debuts to several young athletes, which bodes well for the future. We also sent teams to the Marakesh half marathon, to the Great Wales run, in which entries were given to over 30 Welsh athletes and to the Great South run in Portsmouth. Ultra Distance Running: Wales hosted the AngloCeltic plate 100k event in Cardiff, with John Pares (Buckley) first Welsh finisher in 7:50:07, 49 minutes faster than in the same event last year. Thanks to team managers Derek Williams and Mel James. Road Running Committee: The committee has met 6 times since the last A.G.M. and thanks for their regular attendance to: Jacqueline Brace, Mel James, Gareth
We have yet to decide the venues for the Welsh road running championships in 2009, the closing date for applications being the 30th September and we meet next in November. We are also sending teams to the Morlaix 10km in October. This event is also the French national championship fixture. Miscellaneous: * We finalised and circulated a comprehensive document giving the details of criteria for the awarding of championships and guidelines for championship organisers and are in the process of producing a competition review. * We remind event organisers of the requirement for officials in Wales that a minimum grade 3 for Regional
* Alex Donald compiled a Welsh road running bests (records) lists which is available on the Welsh Athletics website and he continues to compile the Welsh road rankings lists. Finally, I would like to thank Jacqueline Brace yet again for her tireless work and support, both as national women’s team manager and office liaison. Also Steve Brace for his continued commitment to road running and all those race organisers and officials who continue to support our sport.
10
Welsh Athletics
www.welshathletics.org
Arwel Lewis - Mountain Running Committee Secretary
Mountain Running
The end of an era: After being one of the pioneering countries who set up and competed in the World Trophy in 1985, and every year since, following the World Mountain Running Council Congress Meeting at Sierre Switzerland on Saturday September 13th, the proposal was passed for the World trophy to receive championship recognition by the IAAF from 2009 onwards, with one stipulation, under IAAF rules of competition, England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales must compete as one country, Great Britain & N.I. Though, as a consolation we will still be able to compete in nonchampionship competitions. Next year Wales will be able to select two teams of six men/women for the 1st Commonwealth MR Championships Up hill only and the up & downhill races at Keswick, plus; teams of five men three women for the World Long Distance Challenge in Austria. INTERNATIONAL EVENTS WORLD TROPHY 2008: Crans-Montana Sierre, Switzerland. 14/09/2008. Up hill only. Our last appearance in the event. There were some encouraging performances
from the Welsh juniors, both the Junior Women and junior men’s teams finished 7th, while our senior women were placed 15th and the senior men 19th. The main individual highlights were: Gina Paletta (Deeside AC) 5th in the junior women’s race and Dewi Griffiths (Carmarthen H) 7th in the junior men’s race, while Tim Davies (Mercia) was again, as he has been for several years now, the first senior Welshman to finish. KNOCK DHU: 26/04/2008. The Celtic International Mountain Running Championships in Larne Northern Ireland proved to be a very enjoyable and successful event, the main successes were: Senior Men: 3rd Richard Roberts (Eryri H), team 2nd. Senior female: 2nd Anna Bartlett (Shrewsbury AC) (missing out on gold by 2 seconds). Team 2nd. Junior Women: 2nd Alaw Beynon-Thomas (Carmarthen H). 3rd Carys Davies (Sarn Helen). Team 1st. Junior Male: 3rd Ricky Challinor (Deeside AC). Team 2nd. WMRA Youth Team Challenge: Susa, Italy. 22/06/2008. An excellent event for developing our juniors into international
running in a warm climate. Best performers were: Female U16. 6th Aneura Phillips (Carmarthen H). Team 3rd. Male U16. 7th Michael Kallenberg (Ingli). Team 6th. While in the development races Female U14 Sara Livett (Menai T&F) finished 4th. Male U14 Calum Muskett (Menai T&F) 13th. Overall a good learning experience for our young athletes. Snowdon International Race: The race will be remembered mainly because of the weather, very hot and humid which affected most of the athletes. The 1st Welsh male finisher was Richard Roberts (Eryri H) in 15th place with a time of 75:18 (5th quickest on the downhill). Best placed Welsh female finisher was Sarah Ridgway (Eryri H) in 72nd place overall 8th female in 78:44 (3rd on the downhill). WELSH CHAMPIONSHIP 2008: Best of three from four races: Moel Wnion/Ras y Moelwyns/Moel Eilio/Black Mountains. 1st Senior Male: Richard Roberts (Eryri H). 1st Senior Woman: Andrea Roberts (Eryri H). 1st Male Vet: Steve Gilliland (Bro Dysynni).
1st Female Vet: Ellie Salisbury (Eryri H). FRA British Championship 2008: Eryri’s ladies made a bold effort to retain their title, but had to make do with 3rd place this time, still a good effort. INTER REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS: Moel Eilio 17/05/2008. Disappointedly, only the North had full Senior Male/ Female teams for the event. SUMMARY: Mountain Running is proving to be very popular lately, with race numbers up, and quite a few events entries full. The World Trophy trial race held in conjunction with England at Llanberis was very successful and beneficial for both countries with a good turnout of quality athletes. The Junior North Wales Mountain Running Championships held on the Great Orme Llandudno on 13/09/2008 was again well attended, and a good introduction to mountain running for school children. FUTURE EVENTS: 27/06/2009 WMRA Youth Challenge (Races for 16-17 year olds) Ostheim vor der Rhoen Germany. 17th -20th September 2009 1st
Commonwealth Mountain Running Championships Keswick. 10/10/2008 6th WMRA Long Distance Mountain Running Challenge, Soll (Tyrol) Austria. THE WAY FORWARD: Following the World Trophy decision to revert to a championship status, as what happened to cross country in the 1980’s, we can now get on with our performance review, which has been in a state of limbo while we awaited the outcome of the Worlds. All the respective team managers from England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales will be meeting at the Junior Home International event in Bonaly nr Edinburgh on Saturday/ Sunday 11th/12th October 2008 to work in partnership and plan the way forward for mountain running to avoid what happened to cross country when the strength in depth diminished markedly in all four home countries, we are determined to avoid this happening to mountain running. FINALLY: I would like to thank everyone for their support and assistance throughout what has been a very busy and enjoyable year.
11
Welsh Athletics
www.welshathletics.org
Paul Jensen - Education Manager
Coach Education and the Planning Towards UKCC
The imminent adoption of the United Kingdom Coaching Certificate (UKCC), has inevitably meant that during 2008 the last of many U.K. Athletics level 1 and level 2 courses took place across Wales. These were, for the most part, attended by prospective club coaches, the numbers on these courses were: Level 1 158 Level 2 46 Leaders (FIRW CIA) 76 In a close working relationship with the Federation of Disabled Sport in Wales (FDSW), Welsh Athletics was instrumental in putting on a number of Children in Athletics (CIA) leaders courses. FDSW now has an active club for athletes with disability in all 22 unitary authorities. The other leaders’ course, Fitness in Running and Walking (FIRW), was also successfully used across Wales to help the Road running community. The forward planning for the UKCC is, in part, a reflection of the completion of UKA courses and it is perhaps important for coaches to know that their current UKA qualification will be supported for many years to come, provided that the CRB requirement is maintained. Since the adoption of UKCC, Welsh Athletics has been instructed not to initiate new courses so we have been in the process of running down our current commitment, which should be complete during December 2008. For existing coaches, particularly at levels 2 and 3, where there may be incomplete portfolios, there will be optional module courses and assessment opportunities in the regions throughout 2009. For coaches looking to complete level 3 UK Athletics has made 2009 available and potential attendees of such courses will need to look at the course coverage offered both in Wales and across the UK by reference to www.ukathletics.org.uk. For the UK governing body a number of issues are currently in process and these are: * Centre accreditation; to ensure that the courses, when completed, are of the standards required by ASQ. * The re-training of existing tutors * Training of assessors and verifiers Whilst some administration issues remain, there is every reason to hope that the course structure will be what coaches want and that there is reason to believe that the standards of club coaching in Wales will be maintained and improved. What is clear in the new structure is that a lot more influence in the development of the individual coach will be club centred. The need for supported practice and reflective logbooks to take place in the coaching environment will ensure positive experiences for new coaches and those moving through to higher levels.
Teacher education UK Athletics has supplied all schools in Wales with a resource to help teachers to help teach athletics in both the Primary and Secondary sectors. This resource is likely to have a long term effect and improve the entry standards achieved by young club members. Officials Education After a reorganisation of both course and levels, the 9 English regions and the Celtic nations became responsible for level 1 and level 2 courses. UKA will remain responsible for courses held at level 3 and above. The course at level 1 is an introduction to officiating and is an electronically based resource. The course at level 2 has a generic component but is offered as a specialist course for: * Field Judge * Track Judge * Starters and marksmen * Timekeeping A number of courses have run, normally initiated by regional secretaries and a reasonable number of new officials have been welcomed into the sport. During 2009 it is planned to have a national timetable of courses and a compilation of the regionally initiated courses on the website, together with a document developed form the electronic resource to help both clubs and schools become familiar with the content of the level 1 course.
12
Welsh Athletics
www.welshathletics.org
Peter Stafford - Competitions Manager
Competitions While the last 12 months have seen a number of changes take place in Welsh Athletics, the one thing that remains constant is championship competition. In this report I will not comment on specific competition as the previous reports from each of the committees will do that, rather I will focus on the main issues that have faced competitions over the last year. Following on from the Bucker report on competition undertaken at a UK level, the proposed changes to the age groups
for competition were not adopted. This was seen as an opportunity for each of the home countries to review their own status of competition and the needs of athletes and develop plans for the future. The competition review is underway and is split between track & field review and an endurance review, the outcome of these reviews is to develop a better and more appropriate
pathway of competition for athletes and the different needs of developing athletes through the transition to the senior levels. Throughout October, road shows are being conducted to present the findings of the review groups to the clubs prior to any changes being implemented for 2009. Welsh Championship fixtures have continued to grow in participation over the past 12 months and the policy of allowing non-Welsh athletes to compete in ‘open championships’ in track and field has proved beneficial in boosting numbers and
standards of performance. Standards of performance have been analysed in detail over the last year, specifically within track & field, as the issue of international selection and the “value of the Welsh vest” has been debated. An international selection group was created to look at performance guidelines and the Welsh international matches for the summer of 2008. Standards have been created by members of this group that represent the standard needed to be competitive at international matches from each of the age groups from U16 & U18
(the Celtic games) through to senior (Loughborough and European opportunities). Although contentious, as this policy meant that full teams were not taken to some matches, it has boosted performance levels and this was clearly demonstrated at a younger level, where Wales were victorious in the Celtic Games for the first time in its history. Following on from this, there will be performance standards created for the other disciplines through the relevant committees.
13
The aim is not to restrict competition opportunities, it is attempting to raise performance levels and restore pride and value into the Welsh vest. Looking forward to 2009, it is an exciting year for Welsh Athletics as we have the privilege of hosting the three major competitions for the Celtic nations; - The Celtic cross country that will take place in January as part of the Cardiff Cross Country. This will also feature a senior home countries international,
Welsh Athletics
- The indoor Celtic cup, that follows on from last year’s success where the schools international was included, - The U16 & U18 Celtic games, with a new format for 2009 that will be hosted in Carmarthen in august. As well as these competitions, 2009 will feature the inaugural Celtic Clubs Cup match which has been designed to provide an incentive to clubs following league competition. It is an opportunity for the top 2 male and female clubs in the senior league to compete against their counterparts from
Ireland and Scotland. This will take place at the start of the track and field season. In addition, we will host the home countries cross country incorporating the schools international and Celtic universities match in Vaenol Park in March of 2009. As well as international competition, structures are being put in place for championships to once again raise the profile of these events and see participation increase and our top Welsh stars competing.
With the completion of the Cardiff International Sports Stadium, negotiations are under way to bring a major track & field event (following on from the great Wales run and the established Cardiff cross country in recent years) to Cardiff in the near future, and with the 2010 commonwealth games on the horizon, the opportunity to bring more world class competition back to Wales provides an excellent platform for continued Welsh success.
www.welshathletics.org
14
Welsh Athletics
www.welshathletics.org
Steve Brace - Head of Athletics Development
Regional Athletics Councils The governance of athletics at a local level is undertaken by our four Regional Athletics Councils (RAC’s), in the North, South, East and West. Each committee is represented at both Regional and General Councils, to enable a flow of reporting and information from the central organisation to cascade to the grassroots. This provides an opportunity to debate and be part of decision making process for the sport of athletics in Wales.
As we move ever closer to the London Olympics in 2012 and the Glasgow Commonwealth Games of 2014, it is essential that local representative needs are considered. Local teams must contribute to the success and development of our sport. Effective communication and identifying local needs are the key ingredients to energise and invigorate athletics. The resulting activities will inspire participants in the school and club structures.
Coaching and officiating requirements should be delivered economically, and with the minimum of travel time. Welsh Athletics is working with the RAC’s to establish a regional plan which is relevant to the specific needs of each region.
Welfare In January 2005 the Welfare Policy and Procedures manual was produced, circulated and personalised to each Home Country, the contents remain generic to all. Prior to this date the Home Countries of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, assisted by the Child Protection in Sport Unit of the NSPCC, embarked upon the process of compiling a child protection policy. An early decision was made to embrace the concept of a welfare policy for all persons involved in athletics, which would then incorporate our child protection policies and procedures.
FDSW inclusion
Volunteers
With the phenomenal success of disabled athletes at Welsh, British and World level, FDSW (Federation of Disability Sport Wales) has launched an ambitious project to establish 22 disability athletics clubs, one for each unitary authority. Supported by disability sports officers, many clubs are now established at our key athletics facilities, and partnerships formed with the able-bodied clubs.
Athletics could not exist without those who work tirelessly to enable the sport to be delivered. Volunteers act as coaches, officials, administrators or helpers within the clubs. Volunteers administer the sport at local, regional and national level.
Higher level coaching in Wales is increasingly integrated, and disability events have been a feature of the National Outdoor Championships for many years. In addition, links with Special Needs groups has increased recently with pilot events, at regional and national level.
In today’s challenging volunteering environment, it is essential that we further develop strategies and supporting action plans to ensure that we provide the necessary training, recognition and rewards for all our volunteers, helping to guarantee continued enjoyment and success within athletics. Support for volunteers will be a key objective within the 20092013 strategic plan.
The manual has been circulated to each Welsh Athletics club, and supporting “Safeguarding and Protecting” courses offered free to each of the clubs Welfare Officers. In addition we are now inviting coaches (level 2 and above) to attend. The aim was to provide clear and easy to follow guidance on what to do in different circumstances. The procedures clarify the roles and responsibilities of individuals and lines of communication. UK Athletics has undertaken to complete Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) checks on behalf of athletics clubs who wish to vet any member who works or seeks to work with children and young people in any capacity. It is a requirement for all coaches, officials and in future, all volunteers to have been checked to operate in the sport in Wales and the UK. With the 3 year renewal of CRB approaching for many and the prospect of Independent Standards Authority (ISO) checks in the future, it is essential that we continue to provide and promote athletics as a safe environment.
Equity & Equality Welsh Athletics is committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity within our sport. To that end, we continue to promote equality and fairness for all, and not to discriminate on grounds of gender, marital status, ethnic origin, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age, social background and political belief. Consequently we are measured against standards, which can affect the funding to our sport.
15
Welsh Athletics
www.welshathletics.org
with falling numbers and the quality of performances at under 20 and senior level.
The proposed new UK Coaching Certificate programme, which will be rolled-out in Wales in April 2009, will offer a far more robust qualification. Offering the coach a better overall knowledge in athletics, it will provide the opportunity to develop athletes to their full potential.
Clubs, Coaching and Competition – the 3 C’s The increase in registered members of Welsh Athletics has not been achieved through the formation of new clubs, rather the consolidation of membership at a number of clubs with strong development programmes.
This trend is not unique to Wales and the current competition review is attempting to address these challenges. The endurance disciplines of road running, mountain running and cross country are similarly attempting to reverse the downward trend with initiatives and opportunities for athletes.
However, there is indication of a number of new road running clubs being established in the near future. The core number of clubs offering track & field has remained static, with many positives at junior league and championship competitions. Again, there are concerns
Welsh Schools Closer links with the Welsh Schools Athletic Association have been achieved both at officer and competition programme level over the past twelve months. Partnership championships and fixtures have been successful, both at indoor and outdoor competition, especially the reintroduction of a Schools Indoor International. Regular meetings have enabled both organisations to understand the challenges facing our sport in delivering and developing athletics across the principality. We look forward to continuing the close working relationship and strengthening the delivery of athletics for school-age children in Wales.
Officials Welsh Athletics is currently reviewing the support for our officials, both in identifying training requirements and by looking at the deployment of officials at all levels of competition within the sport. This area requires the support of all at club, regional and national level and has been identified as a focus area within the 200910 operational plan. Endurance officials are also being targeted, as many operate in the sport, but do not appear in our official listings.
A focus for the sport is to attract new coaches and further up-skill the current coaches in the club, regional and national structures.
Facilities
– (As at Sept 2008)
Athletics facilities in Wales have recently been boosted with the opening of the new athletics stadium in Cardiff (CISS – Cardiff international Sports Stadium). Although not officially opening until 2009, it offers an opportunity for the sport of athletics to rebrand itself in Wales’ capital city. With 17 certificated outdoor facilities, giving a good spread across the 22 unitary authorities, and 3 indoor facilities at Cardiff, Swansea and Deeside offering North, West and East Wales coverage. The facilities team, working closely with the facility owners, endeavour to keep all to the highest standard, and currently only 2 facilities fall short of full specification with the need of upgrading the hammer cages to current IAAF criteria. A new stadium at Llanelli is nearing completion, and there are early discussions for facilities in Ceredigion and Caerphilly.
Certification Classification Class 1 - Meets the specification and requirements for all competition under UKA rules including Women’s steeplechase, having adjustable barriers. Class 2 - Meets the specification and requirements for all competition under UKA rules excluding Women’s steeplechase, not having adjustable barriers. Class 3 - Meets the specification and requirements for all competition under UKA rules including Women’s steeplechase, having adjustable barriers. Not having a valid survey, performances are not acceptable for record purposes. Class 4 - Meets the specification and requirements for all competition under UKA rules excluding Women’s steeplechase, not having adjustable barriers. Not having a valid survey, performances are not acceptable for record purposes. Class 5 - Restricted certificate Class 6 - Non standard tracks
Track Lanes Aberdare 8 Deeside 8 Newtown 6 Bangor 8 Carmarthen 6 Newport 8 Wrexham 8 Cwmbran 8 Swansea 8 Colwyn Bay 8 Neath 6 Barry 6 Haverfordwest 6 Brecon 8 Llangefni 4 Bridgend 4 Cardiff 8 Indoor UWIC Deeside Swansea
4 6 6
Coaches should be actively seeking out the development opportunities through the continuous personal development (CPD) offered by both ourselves and Sports Council for Wales (SCW).
Certificate Class 1 1 5 1 5 1 1 5 1 5 5 2 5 1 6 6 None
Renewal Date 31/03/10 02/08/12 31/07/11 31/05/12 31/05/12 31/12/08 30/04/12 30/04/10 30/04/11 30/09/08 28/02/10 31/03/08 31/05/10 30/06/12 30/04/13 30/06/09
Yes Yes Yes
31/12/09 31/12/09 30/11/11
16
Welsh Athletics
www.welshathletics.org
Chris Moss - Development Manager
Development Officers
This year has seen a real mix of events in the development of athletics across Wales, as Welsh Athletics has adapted to the new opportunities presented through the UK Athletics reorganisation. Looking at this in a positive light, Welsh Athletics will now enjoy greater control of initiatives and developments which have previously been resourced centrally. In the last 12 months there has been a great deal of good work that has taken place to improve not only the quantity but also the quality of grass roots athletics. Help and assistance is now more widely available and being utilised by both the club and school structures. More recently a series of regional club forums were held which gave the opportunity for clubs to attend, present questions and receive updates in relation to the most recent developments in the key areas of the sport. Over the last year, support has been given to schools athletics in a number of areas and this
is one element which will become prominent for the development team looking forward. It is an area and a relationship that has the potential to thrive, the next 12 months should see a closer bond and stronger links with the school athletics structure for the benefit of both parties – clubs and schools. There have been minor developments of existing initiatives including the Shine:Awards and the 30 40, 50 Club. Elevating:Athletics has recently been rewritten and re-issued to all schools in Wales (both Primary and Secondary) which should go some way to improving and enhancing the way the sport is delivered in schools both in curriculum and extra curricular time. Sportshall athletics has continued to grow and develop and in the last year far more children have been involved in an increasing number of events. We are hoping that in the next 12 months this initiative can be used not only to stimulate an interest in the sport but also be used as an exciting start to athletics
proper. Star:Track schemes have also developed to become more inclusive and accessible for potential newcomers to the sport. Development staff have linked with partners in local authorities to best utilise the resources available. There are some exciting new initiatives on the horizon (in particular the ADC programme), which have the potential to improve, not only how the sport is delivered, but also increase the enjoyment, fun and satisfaction we all know athletics can provide young people. Moving forward, the team of Development Officers have now been tasked with more specific and focussed work programmes, which relate to the key areas of development. These include both club development and schools development, as well as linking closely with coaching/coach education, initiatives, competition and other key areas. Communication will also be a big focal area and this, combined with the new Regional Club Coach Coordinator positions,
should allow for an increase in the level of service provided. Regional Club Coach Coordinators will service clubs and club coaches through regular communications and auditing, assessing coaching requirements in an attempt to link the demand of education opportunities with supply. Within this role there will also be an Officials remit which will look to link to officials education requirements at both a regional and national level. As far as the future of club development is concerned, we plan to intensify this focus to best resource and support clubs to be not only as good as they can be but to fulfil potential and plan for the future and achieve longevity. After much anticipation we are now in a position where we have an athletics specific ‘Clubmark’ for the sport in Wales. Clubmark is a product that can be used effectively by clubs and a tool that will allow for progressive and structured
planning, giving clubs the best opportunity to develop and accommodate the changes that are occurring across the sport. Clubmark will also offer the benefit of allowing clubs to access additional funding opportunities and access to a number of support resources including; templates, models, guides and example development planning tools. For the development team; as we look forward to 2008/2009 we see exciting times ahead. This period will see many changes take place to not only the structure of the sport but the way the sport is delivered in both the school and club environments. Of course, much of the focus in the coming years will be on New Delhi in 2010 and London 2012, but it is also essential that we develop the right infrastructure to support the development of athletics in clubs and schools, this will ensure that potential can be achieved and there is a clear pathway from grassroots to performance.
17
Welsh Athletics
www.welshathletics.org
James Thomas - Talent Development Manager
The PDCE project The PDCE (Performance, Development, Coaching and Education) project represents the need for the four areas of Welsh Athletics to work together to increase performance at all levels in athletics by addressing the fundamental areas of coach and athlete development. It is an exciting and challenging project that highlights long term coach and athlete development as the priority. The project’s primary objective is to enable athletes to reach their full athletics potential throughout their career, by focussing on the development of athletic foundations in the 11-15 age group. This is the age group identified as the most influential in terms of skill acquisition and learning. In order to achieve this, Welsh Athletics understands the huge role that the coach plays in the athlete-coach partnership and has released a programme that assists coaches in their development. Achieving the objectives of athlete and coach development will result in improved athletics performance levels from Clubs, through Regional, National and International levels of performance. The PDCE project has harnessed these objectives putting in place three Athletics Development Centres (ADC’s) based out of the Indoor Athletics Centres in Wales: NIAC (Cardiff), WWIAC (Swansea) and NWIAC (Deeside). The aim of the ADC’s is to create a central hub of activity for the regions that address both athlete and coach development.
Welsh Athletics clubs who offer club structure, competition and coaching opportunity for developing youngsters Welsh Athletics clubs who offer junior track and field competition Welsh Athletics affiliated clubs
The ADC’s have a dual focus; 1. A fun weekly athletics programme at each ADC for 11 – 15 years based on a curriculum of athletics development that links into UK Athletics core competencies. The weekly sessions will be delivered by our new ADC Coaching teams who will be at hand to answer any questions to athletes, coaches and parents throughout the sessions. 2. A comprehensive coaching workshop programme that is based on the requests of the club coaches, delivered by members of the National Coaching Team into the region, for the benefit of the coaches, the clubs and the athletes. The weekly athletics programme and regional coaching workshop programme will be coordinated by an ADC Coordinator who will be based at each ADC. They will be responsible for the efficient running of the weekly athletics programme, ensuring athletes, parents and coaches are welcomed into the new programme and also coordinating the coaching workshops in the region. The ADC Coordinators will work closely with the Regional staff who will be visiting all the clubs and speaking to the coaches about their coaching needs.
The benefits of the new Athletics Development Centre (ADC) programme include; * Athletes develop fundamentals of athletics with a run, jump, and throw emphasis, out of club time, allowing club coaches to concentrate on event specific technical development. * Coaches have the opportunity to increase their coaching skills and knowledge through a comprehensive coaching workshop programme delivered by our National Coaching Team. * New athletes entering into the sport, increasing participation, club membership and potential to contribute to successful Welsh International teams.
18
Welsh Athletics
www.welshathletics.org
James Thomas - Talent Development Manager
ADC’s and Regional Staff ADC Coordinator
ADC Coaches
Regional Club Coach Coordinators (RCCC)
Development Officer (DO)
Each ADC has a Coordinator who is responsible for the efficient running of the weekly athletics programme, ensuring athletes, parents and coaches are welcomed into the new programme and also coordinating the coaching workshops in the region.
Each ADC has a number of coaches who are responsible for delivering the weekly athletics programme, ensuring it is a fun experience for all and the coaching delivers the key messages for athlete development. The coaches are also on hand to answer any questions from athletes, coaches and parents throughout the sessions.
Each region has an assigned RCCC who is responsible for communicating with the club coaches, discussing areas for their coaching development and requesting workshops based on coaching needs.
Each region has an assigned DO who is responsible for working with clubs to ensure that the appropriate structures are in place to allow athletics to develop in Wales. The DO’s will also be working very closely with the schools offering the various athletics initiatives including the ADC programme.
The Support System Mentoring
UKA Technical Event Group
National Coaching Team
ADC
Clubs Development Officer &
Education & Support Programme
RCCC
ADC Coordinator
Schools
ADC Coach 1 ADC Coach 2 ADC Coach 3
Development
Club Coaches
Coaches
Teachers
DEESIDE
SWANSEA
CARDIFF
ATHLETICS DEVELOPMENT CENTRE
19
Welsh Athletics
www.welshathletics.org
Jeremy Moody - UKA Performance Manager in Wales
Performance & Excellence Excellent performances in the early and qualification periods of the season from both Christian Malcolm and Philippa Roles gained them selection for the XXVIX Olympics in Beijing. Philippa, back to 60m form for the first time in five years, showed that having a full-time job as well as training can be managed effectively, passing the 60m barrier in five separate competitions this summer. Christian saved his best performances of the year for the championships running a seasons best of 20.25 to qualify for the Olympic final putting him back close to the best form he has shown over the past eight or nine years.
The UK:Athletics WCPP and Welsh Athletics Performance Pathway is focussed on podium or top 8 success at Olympic Games and World Championships. For disabled athletes, the target is podium at Paralympic Games and World Championships.
Unfortunately this is the lowest number of athletes representing Wales at an Olympic Games since 1980 (six in 1984; nine in 1988; six in 1992; seven in 1996; eight in 2000 and 2004). However, we must look forward and provide every possible support mechanism for our elite athletes to achieve their potential, even against the raising standards set for selection to compete at major championships.
The WTDA looks to fulfil its aim through developing the necessary support structure around the athlete-coach pair in order for the athlete to continue developing and reach their full performance potential. The concept of athlete and coach development is the golden thread running through Welsh Athletics, from the new Athletics Development Centre (ADC) programme, the WTDA, through to the WCPP. A pathway that is advocated by UK:A and envied by other home countries.
There were notable Welsh absences from Team GB at the Olympics in 2008. World Championship 400m finalist Tim Benjamin faced disappointment with illness and had to cancel his competitive season. Reoccurring injuries also saw Rhys Williams withdraw from competitive action. The European Championship bronze medallist in the 400m hurdles was devastated by the fracture sustained in the Welsh Championships early in the summer. Amanda Pritchard impressed following a 20 month rehabilitation programme following her fall in the 2006 European Championships recording a 2:00.86 in the 800m in Zaragoza. David Greene, following his European U23 Gold medal winning performance in 2007 has managed to lose his injuries resulting in a strong end of season recording a personal best of 49.53 in Rovereto. Benjamin, Williams, Pritchard and Greene along with team mates Roles and Malcolm will all be in strong contention for places at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin. To assist athletes achieve podium/top 8 performances, UK Sport operated a World Class Performance Pathway (WCPP) at three key levels: World Class Podium; World Class Development; World Class Talent. Welsh athletes can continue to be funded by their home countries (Welsh Talent Development Academy) until they reach WCPP standard; however the streamlining of the system presented by the transfer of responsibility to UK Sport makes it possible for those athletes to join UK-wide pathway programmes at an earlier stage.
Able-Bodied Athletes
Disabled Athletes
World Class Podium Christian Malcolm (200m) Tim Benjamin (400m) Rhys Williams (400mH)
Beverley Jones (F37: Shot) Tracey Hinton (T11: 100/200/400m) John McFall (T42: 100m)
World Class Development David Greene (400mH) Amanda Pritchard (800m) Steve Davies (1500m)
Brian Aldis (T54: Wheelchair Racing) Nathan Stevens (F57: Shot, Javelin, Discus) Claire Williams (F12: Discus) Andrew Williams (F32: Shot) Kate Arnold (T46: 100/200m) Jenny McLoughlin (T37: 100/200m)
World Class Talent Brett Morse (Discus) Lianne Clarke (Javelin) David Guest (Decathlon)
The Welsh Talent Development Academy (WTDA) was launched in April 2007 with the aim of increasing and accelerating the number of Welsh athletes onto the WCPP, which has an Olympic Games and World Championships top 8 focus.
The Talent Development Manager (TDM) aims to gain an understanding of the individual coach-athlete relationships to put in place an effective support structure and support team, focussing upon the 5 rings model of athlete development: - Fundamental Movement Skills - Strength & Conditioning - Performance Factors - Technical & Tactical - Performance Lifestyle - The support team for the athlete-coach pair is created through formal & informal reviews, competition & training observations, and the openness of the coach-athlete pair to take on- board new ideas to achieve their performance goals. The performance managed approach to the WTDA permits athletes access to: - BOA Medical Insurance - Athletics specific Strength & Conditioning - Athletics specific Physiotherapy - Sports Psychology - Sports Nutrition - International Competition opportunities - Training and competition financial assistance To ensure the continued success of the WTDA, the TDM works hard with the club coaches throughout Wales and the UK to ensure Welsh athletes with developmental potential are being identified and tracked. WTDA Testimonial – 2008 Athlete “The main thing I have gained from WTDA is my boost in confidence. It feels great walking into competitions knowing that you are considered to be a prospect for the future and knowing that you can go into any competition with your head held high.... It has been a difficult season, which has been hugely affected by injuries picked up from the end of the 2007 season onwards, but thanks to all your help, hopefully, they are all sorted... I am now going into my preparations for next season with an optimism and desire to repay your support.” The 14 athletes named on the WTDA in December 2007 were:
WTDA Athletes Antonio Cirillo (Race Walking) Caryl Granville (400mH) Sarah Dacey (300/400mH) Rachel Johncock (200m) Christina Hughes (Pole Vault) Stephanie Owens (Hammer) Faye Harding (400/400mH]
Chris Gowell (800m) Joe Thomas (800m) Non Stanford (3000m) Rhiannon Yates (Long Jump) Toni Wells (Throws) Kate Yhnell Bridget Eades
The WTDA can boast success over the last two seasons in the following: - Great Britain representation at European U20, European U23, World Youth championships and Combined Events internationals. - World Student Games representation. - New Welsh age group, Celtic and BUSA records. - 9 medals in 2007 and 7 medals in 2008 at the English Championships. - The transition of three WTDA Athletes onto the UK:A WCP. The future looks extremely encouraging in performance terms with an excellent group of young athletes emerging and developing in Wales. Many of the following impressed at both Welsh and/or English Championships, International representative fixtures or from end of seasons UK rankings. Of particular note performances from: Sara Otung (UK1: 75mH), Hannah Thomas (UK3: 200m), Megan Rodgers (UK1: 300mH), Benytta Doman (UK6: 800m), Mica Moore (UK8: 100m) and Lauren Bell (UK7: 800m) in the girls whilst in the boys, Dewi Griffiths (UK10: 3000m), Daniel Chesworth (UK3: 800m), Thomas Knight (UK13: 200m), Evan Jenkins (UK6: 400m), Rhys Hodnett (UK6: Hammer), Jamaul White (UK4: 200m), and Rhys Williams (UK2: 80mH). With a focus towards the Commonwealth Games in 2010, Welsh Athletics will be releasing its support programme for potential Commonwealth Games representatives in New Delhi. Both 2010, and 2014 will be important opportunities for athletics success on the international stage and an excellent stepping stone towards higher levels of competition in the future for the rising stars of Welsh Athletics.
20
Welsh Athletics
www.welshathletics.org
Roll of Honour Life Members
Meritorious Award
1989 1991 1992 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2007
This award was instigated by the Welsh AAA in 1954. In 1990 the AAW decided to continue the award to persons for services to Welsh Athletics usually for a period of at least 15 years.
Raye Evans (Deceased) Ken B. Harris Ron Evans (Deceased) Bill Evans (Deceased) Margaret Elgie (Deceased) Frank Ireland Lynette Harries Dr Hedydd Davies Ivor Adams Gwilym C.Evans J. Barrie Owen Alan Currie David Alun Williams John Collins
Award of Honour Instigated by the Welsh AAA in 1952 for outstanding service over a long period to Welsh Athletics. AAW re-instigated this award in 1995 1952 Eddie W. O’Donnell Frank Liddington Johns William E.Fisher A.Jack Pound Arthur E.Williams Frank Duggan Cyril M.Howell Ted Hopkins 1954 Welsh Schools AA 1956 Rev C.P. Hines J.D.B. Williams 1964 Lynn Davies 1975 Bernard Baldwin 1984 Ron. B. Evans 1989 Reg Snow 1995 Alan Currie Charlie Hughes Frank Ireland Bill Kingsbury 1996 Ivor Adams John Collins Raye Evans Barrie Owen Dave Williams 1997 Gerry Batty 1998 Hedydd Davies 1999 Gwilym Evans Mike Rowland 2000 Sally Blake Margaret Elgie 2001 Lynette Harries Colin Jackson 2003 Viv Thomas 2005 Terry Notman John Griffiths 2006 Peter Morris 2007 Paul Darney Graham Webb Keith Matthews Jan Evans-Nugent
1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967
Jim Alford Bill Cook Rev C.P.Hines, Ken Jones Roy Jones Charles Radford David J.P.Richards Major G.D.Taylor Ray Thomas J.D.B.Williams Alf Yeomans Jack Meyrick Harry Lewis John Disley Bob Shaw Tom Richards Will Johnson Matt Cullen H.King Tom Mogford Jack P.Collard C.T.Wright K.Cooper Ron B.Evans Jim Guy Ken Harris D.Owen P.E.Jones Harry F.Keene G.F.Young J.Harris R.G.James J.B.F.Morgan J.G.Thomas Sam J.Williams Len G.Colledge George M.Hapgood Ernie Jones Jack Jones Ron Franklin Llewellyn Harrison Jones
Derek Lakin H.V.W.Robinson Reg Snow Nick Whitehead Maurice Bingham Hubert Gorvin Percy Irwin Bill Kingsbury E.Virgin Dave J.Williams No awards Frank Brown J. Donoghue Alan C. Radford Phil Davies J.H.T.Mason Barrie Owen R.V. Tawton R.C. Townsend H. Owen Tom Wood
1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987
George Crump L. Jones Alun Jones Graham Fraser Norman Moses No awards Ivor Adams J. Carvell John Collins Gilbert Legge Jim O’Brien Hywel Williams John Flook, John Griffiths Terry Notman H. Williams D. Davies B. Jones Clive Williams Bill Allen Ann Batty Brian Palmer David Phillips Berwyn Price Dave J. Roberts Dave J. Williams George Boardman Bob Sercombe Brian Adamson Alan Currie Les Davies Charlie Hughes, Gordon Rayner Pat Wallace Roy Jones Raye Evans Clifford Guy John Davies Bill Brian Bill Evans C. Harrison Norman John D. John Jones T. Thomas Gerry Batty Eric Eynon Mike Rowland Dave Hopkins Rose Johnson Ivor Arnold Steve Barry Kath Evans Viv Thomas Frank Ireland Irene Lisle Viv Pitcher Owen Edwards Margaret Elgie Ken Griffiths Mrs I. Jenkins John Sammons Gwilym Evans Steve Jones Wyndham Smith Peter Morris John Walsh John Elias Paul Darney Andrew Ireland Colin Jackson Sean Power Alun Roper
1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006
Nigel Walker Eirwyn Walters Graham Webb Hedydd Davies Edwin Llewellyn Eaton Ken Stokes Derek Tayler Arwyn Evans Lynette Harries Kath Evans Colin Davies Frank Ireland Richard Jenkins Arthur Bebbington David Phillips Ken Thomas David A. Jones David Williams Bill Powell Sally Blake Brenda Currie Arthur Davies John Penny Bernard Harris Dave Llewellyn Will Burrows Kay James Ann Notman (posthumous) Frank Stringer Averil Williams Terry Davies David Jones Sam Davies (posthumous) Graham Finlayson Keith Matthews Gwilym Jones Sue Sayer Mary Jones Eric Penning. Derek Williams Delyth Davies John Hartley Hilary Thomas Roy Adams Tom C. Jones Bob Frost Ken Bennett Ken Bray Jan Evans-Nugent John Loney Haydn Tawton Steve Perks Joyce Tomala Les Baldwin Ron Freeman Dennis Nugent Mick McGeoch Philip James Alistair Griffiths Gareth Hughes Graham Coldwell, Keith Adams Iloa Adams Kath Elias Derek Crowder Jeff Aston Colin Daley Kath Crane Steve Brace Jeff Kirby
2007
Mel James Paul Jensen Derek Osborne Buddug Llwyd Jones Paul Brooks Ossie Morgan Dorrien Thomas Sue Leyson Peter Walton David Peters Denise Harris Brian Davies Dave Hawthorn Dave Walsh Gwyn Williams Mike Walters Wyn Leyshon Val Davidson Tony Balmont Jacqueline Brace Doug Morris (posthumous)
SPECIAL AWARD TO ATHLETES John Walters (posthumous) Bernard Jones Iwan Thomas Jamie Baulch Hayley Tullett
21
Welsh Athletics
Annual Awards 2008 Athlete of the Year awards Male, Junior – Brett Morse Female, Junior – Megan Rogers Male, Senior – Christian Malcolm Female, Senior – Philippa Roles
Hall of Fame 2007 2008
Colin Jackson Steve Jones Tanni Grey-Thompson John Disley Lynn Davies Iwan Thomas Kirsty Wade Berwyn Price
Lifetime Achievement 2007 Ken Harris 2008 Lynette Harries
Coaches Participation Delyth Brown, Carmarthen and District Harriers Athletics Club Performance Dave Lewis, Cwmbran Harriers “Podium” Coach Darrell Maynard Coaching Development Gwyn Williams Local Authority Sport:Cardiff (City and County of Cardiff Council) Athletics Partnership Swansea Harriers AC and Swansea Schools
Club Awards 2008 Track and Field Club of the Year – Swansea Harriers AC Junior Club of the Year – Carmarthen and District Harriers Inclusivity Club of the Year – Cwmbran Harriers Off Track Club of the Year – Menai Track and Field
Club Awards 2007 Volunteers Track and Field Swansea Harriers Athletics Club Off Track Eryri Harriers Junior Swansea Harriers AC Inclusivity Cwmbran Harriers
Club Volunteer of the Year – George Williams, Swansea Harriers AC Young Volunteer of the Year – Alex Donald, Cardiff AC Club Development – Richard Tidball, Bridgend AC Officials
Volunteers Young Volunteer Ian Dwight, Cardiff Amateur Athletics Club Club Volunteer Neil Dunn Deestriders Running Club Club Development Steve Livett Menai Track and Field
Services to Officiating – Ken Bennett, Swansea Harriers AC Newcomer to Officiating – Jo Davis, Swansea AC Off Track Official of the Year – Terry Alcock Track and Field Official of the Year – Roger Grindle, Cardiff AC Coaches
Officials Newcomer to Officiating Dave Lester, Cwmbran Harriers Off track Kevin Corcoran, Swansea Harriers Athletics Club Track and Field Colin Davies, Swansea Harriers Athletics Club Services to Officiating Derek Crowder
Coaching Development – Andrew Jenkins, Swansea Harriers AC Participation Coach of the Year – Steve Walker, Wrexham AC Performance Coach of the Year – Arwyn Davies, Cardiff AAC Podium Coach of the Year – Glyn Davies, Wrexham AAC Athletics Partnership of the Year – Dyfed Schools Athletics Association/ Carmarthen & District Harriers Local Authority of the Year – City & County of Cardiff
Wilkinson Sword Trophy 2007 & 2008 Carmarthen & District Harriers
www.welshathletics.org
22
Welsh Athletics
www.welshathletics.org
Ken Bennett - Annual Report of the Records Officer, Welsh Athletics For the period, 1st October 2007 to 30th September 2008
2007/08 Indoor Season and the 2008 Track & Field Season Welsh Athletics, through its Track & Field Committee, recognises Outdoor and Indoor records in the categories of All Comers, Welsh National and Under 20. All Comers Records The best performance achieved in Wales by any athlete from any country or nationality. Welsh National Records The best performance achieved anywhere in the world by an athlete with Welsh qualifications. Under 20 Records The best performance achieved anywhere in the world by a Junior athlete with Welsh qualifications Best Performances are recognised for Welsh qualified athletes Under 17, Under 15 and Under 13 which can be achieved anywhere in the world. Championship Best Performances are also recognised for both the Outdoor and Indoor Championships. Process: The UK Athletics Power of 10 web site is now the main source for identifying potential new records/ performances. Once a potential record/performance has been identified, the records officer seeks relevant supporting documentation (e.g. copy of photofinish result, field event card etc) from meeting organisers, team managers or anyone who can assist in verifying the performance. Twice a year details of prospective records are submitted to the Track & Field Committee for ratification.
Welsh Indoor Records/Best Performances 2007/08 During the 2007/08 Indoor Season a total of 38 new Records and Best Performances were recognised in 21 events. These figures are analysed below:
AC Male 4 Female 3 Total 7
WN U20 U17 U15 1 7 1 5 1 - 6 8 2 7 7 13
U13 Total 2 20 - 18 2 38
Men Event
Age
Current
Group
Record/BP Record/BP
New
800m
U15
2:06.40
Athlete
Club
Venue
Date Reference
2:04.61
Daniel Chesworth
Newport
Cardiff
2:04.54
Daniel Chesworth
Newport
Birmingham
3.02.08
1500m
U15
4:18.07
4:15.61
Elliott Hardee
Newport
Cardiff
3.02.08
HJ
AC
2.25
=2.25
Samson Oni
England
Cardiff
2.02.08
PV
U15
3.20
3.40
Stephen Guest
Bridgend
Cardiff
3.60
Stephen Guest
Bridgend
Birmingham
LJ
U13
4.90
Kierran Cooper
Wrexham
Cardiff
12.01.08
4.92
Kierran Cooper
Wrexham
Cardiff
12.01.08
SP
AC
4.74 18.28
5.01.08 23.02.08
18.31
Scott Rider
England
Cardiff
2.02.08
18.54
Scott Rider
England
Cardiff
2.02.08
U20 7.26kg 15.25
15.56
Brett Morse
Cardiff
Cardiff
26.01.08
U20 6kg
16.01
Brett Morse
Cardiff
Cardiff
8.12.07
16.21
Brett Morse
Cardiff
Cardiff
8.12.07
16.48
Brett Morse
Cardiff
Cardiff
16.88
Brett Morse
Cardiff
Cardiff
15.94
8.12.07
4956
Ben Gregory
V.Aylesbury Paris, Fr
2.03.08
4933
Ben Gregory
V.Aylesbury Sheffield
13.01.08 2.03.08
4956
Ben Gregory
V.Aylesbury Paris, Fr
Pentathlon U17
3410
3856
David Guest
Bridgend
4x400m
AC
new
3:17.20
WN
new
3:17.31
WIB09
16.02.07
Heptathlon U20
4892
WIB01
24.02.08
Glasgow
8.12.07
WIB14
Ireland
Cardiff
3.02.08
WIB15
Wales
Cardiff
3.02.08
WIB15
Welsh Indoor Records/Best Performances 2007/08 (continued) A decision was taken by the Track & Field Committee to remove from its Record lists the U20 6.25kg Shot. Some years previously the weight for U20’s was changed to 6kg. and the best performance at that new weight now exceeds the old 6.25kg record Women Event
Age
Current
Group
Record/BP Record/BP
800m
AC
2:04.05
2:03.66
Jemma Simpson
England
Cardiff
2.02.08
U17
2:17.30
2:16.74
Benytta Doman
Cwmbran
Cardiff
12.01.08
Pole Vault U17
Athlete
Club
Venue
Date Reference
=3.40
Elinor Lewis
Cardiff
Cardiff
12.01.08
3.40
Elinor Lewis
Cardiff
Cardiff
16.02.08
3.50
Elinor Lewis
Cardiff
Cardiff
16.02.08
3.60
Christina Hughes
Deeside
Birmingham
24.02.08
U15
3.40
New
2.90
Rhianydd Llewellyn Bridgend
Birmingham
2.12.07
3.00
Rhianydd Llewellyn Bridgend
Cardiff
5.01.08
=3.00
Rhianydd Llewellyn Bridgend
Cardiff
6.01.08
3.10
Rhianydd Llewellyn Bridgend
Cardiff
6.01.08
3.10
Rhianydd Llewellyn Bridgend
Cardiff
16.02.08
3.20
Rhianydd Llewellyn Bridgend
Birmingham
24.02.08
Long Jump AC
6.33
6.43
Gillian Cooke
Scotland
Cardiff
3.02.08
5.28
5.42
Sara Otung
Cardiff
Cardiff
1.03.08
5.51
Sara Otung
Cardiff
Cardiff
1.03.08
Pentathlon U17
3386
3478
Lauren O’Reilly
Newport
Sheffield
8.03.08
WIB27
4x400m
AC
new
3:49.47
Ireland
Cardiff
3.02.08
WIB28
WN
new
3:57.86
Wales
Cardiff
3.02.08
WIB28
U15
2.80
Welsh Indoor Championship Best Performances 2008 During 2008 Indoor Championship Best Performances were broken or equalled in 14 events on 23 occasions. Event
Age
Current
Group
Record/BP Record/BP
New
Athlete
Club
Venue
100m
U20
7.01
200m
U20
22.51
800m
U15
2:08.29
60mH
U17
8.66
8.64
Pole Vault U15
2.81
Date Reference
6.99
Chris Howe
Cardiff
Cardiff
13.01.08
WICh01
22.49
Chris Howe
Cardiff
Cardiff
13.01.08
WICh02
Elliott Hardee
Newport
Cardiff
13.01.08
WICh03
Benjamin Cleary
Cardiff
Cardiff
12.01.08
WICh04
3.00
Stephen Guest
Bridgend
Cardiff
13.01.08
WICh05
3.10
Stephen Guest
Bridgend
Cardiff
13.01.08
WICh05
3.25
Stephen Guest
Bridgend
Cardiff
13.01.08
WICh05
Long Jump U13
4.90
Kierran Cooper
Wrexham
Cardiff
12.01.08
WICh06
Kierran Cooper
Wrexham
Cardiff
12.01.08
WICh06
Alex Ezechi-Obiako Unattached Cardiff
13.01.08
WICh07
Men
4.70
Triple Jump U20
13.79
2:07.95
4.92 13.80
23
Welsh Athletics
Women 100m
U15
8.02
800m
U17
2:18.08
7.99 2:16.74
Sara Otung
Cardiff
Cardiff
13.01.08
WICh08
Benytta Doman
Cwmbran
Cardiff
12.01.08
WICh09 WICh10
High Jump U17
1.60
=1.60
Hannah Thomas
Wrexham
Cardiff
12.01.08
Pole Vault U20
3.50
3.52
Jessica Abraham
Cardiff
Cardiff
13.01.08
WICh11
U17
3.40
=3.40
Elinor Lewis
Cardiff
Cardiff
12.01.08
WICh12
Pole Vault U15
2.71
2.80
Rhiannydd Llewellyn Bridgend
Cardiff
13.01.08
WICh13
2.80
Lucy Roulston
Cardiff
13.01.08
WICh13
2.90
Rhiannydd Llewellyn Bridgend
Cardiff
13.01.08
WICh13
2.90
Lucy Roulston
Cardiff
13.01.08
WICh13
3.00
Rhiannydd Llewellyn Bridgend
Cardiff
13.01.08
WICh13
12.14
Tesni Ward
Sheffield
Cardiff
12.01.08
WICh14
12.29
Tesni Ward
Sheffield
Cardiff
12.01.08
WICh14
12.86
Tesni Ward
Sheffield
Cardiff
12.01.08
WICh14
Shot
U17
11.72
Deeside Deeside
Welsh Outdoor Records and Best Performances 2008 During 2008 current Records and Best Performances were bettered in 13 events on 30 occasions.
AC
WN
U17
U15
U13
Male
-
-
U20 9
-
3
5
Total 17
Female
-
6
-
6
1
-
13
Total
-
6
9
6
4
5
30
The Track & Field Committee is due to consider these performances at its November meeting. It is unlikely that the committee will recognise nine of the performances on technical grounds. Five of the performances were assisted by a wind exceeding +2.0m/sec and on four other occasions a wind gauge was not available. One of the two youngsters affected has a legal time to his credit but the other athlete has broken the current best performance in both the 100m and 200m but will be deprived of Welsh Best Performer status because the meetings were held at tracks that could not provide a wind gauge. The availability of and use of wind gauges needs to be considered by Welsh Athletics. As far as track events are concerned there are many stadiums that do not possess a functioning or calibrated gauge. Photofinish is not the answer. During this season there have been instances where the connection between photofinish and the wind gauge has failed and on other occasions where it was apparently not possible to run the cable across the track to connect to the photofinish equipment. Wind Gauges at Long and Triple Jump competitions are very rare. Event
Age
Current
Group
Record/BP Record/BP
New
U13B
12.5
Athlete
Club
Venue
Lloyd Robbins
Deeside
Brecon
Date Reference
Men/Boys 100m
12.49
24.08.08
The mark should not be ratified as a new Welsh Best Performance. It is understood that a wind gauge was not in use.
200m
U13B
25.6
25.2
Lloyd Robbins
Deeside
Wrexham
26.07.08
The mark should not be ratified as a new Welsh Best Performance. It is understood that a wind gauge was not in use.
800m
U15B
2:00.6
80mH
U15B
11.16
2:00.13 11.08
Daniel Chesworth
Newport
Rhys Williams
Glamorgan Sc Dunfermline,Scot
Manchester(Str),Eng
15.07.08 2.08.08
The mark should not be ratified as a new Welsh Best Performance. Wind reading +2.9
U15B
11.03
Rhys Williams
Glamorgan Sc Brecon
31.08.08
12.38
Luke Jenkins
Swansea
Swansea
14.06.08
12.2
Luke Jenkins
Swansea
Barry
13.07.08
Wind reading +1.6
75mH
U13B
12.4
Wind reading -1.8
The mark should not be ratified as a new Welsh Best Performance. It is understood that a wind gauge was not in use.
12.18
Luke Jenkins
Swansea
Brecon
24.08.08
The mark should not be ratified as a new Welsh Best Performance. It is understood that a wind gauge was not in use.
Shot
16.34
Brett Morse
Cardiff
Swansea
U20M (6kg) 16.26
17.05
Brett Morse
Cardiff
Birmingham
27.04.08
17.15
Brett Morse
Cardiff
Aberdare
10.05.08
Discus
56.67
Brett Morse
Cardiff
Loughborough 18.05.08
U20M (2kg) 55.65
20.04.08 WR10
56.87
Brett Morse
Cardiff
Loughborough 18.05.08
Discus
57.91
Brett Morse
Cardiff
Swansea
20.04.08
58.37
Brett Morse
Cardiff
Swansea
20.04.08
59.59
Brett Morse
Cardiff
Aberdare
10.05.08
60.46
Brett Morse
Cardiff
Halle, Ger
24.05.08
Athlete
Club
Venue
Rachel Johncock
Colwyn B
Dunfermline
2.08.08
U20M (1.75kg) 56.52
Event
Age
Current
Group
Record/BP Record/BP
New
Date Reference
Women/Girls 200m
U15G
24.9
24.82
Wind reading +2.0
Pole Vault U17W
3.45
WR13
3.50
Rebecca Davies
Deeside
Brecon
5.07.08
3.50
Christina Hughes
Deeside
Brecon
5.07.08
3.50
Elinor Lewis
Cardiff
Brecon
3.50
Christina Hughes
Deeside
Deeside
12.07.08
3.60
Christina Hughes
Deeside
Bedford
19.07.08
5.07.08
www.welshathletics.org
24
Welsh Athletics
www.welshathletics.org
Ken Bennett - Annual Report of the Records Officer, Welsh Athletics For the period, 1st October 2007 to 30th September 2008
Pole Vault U15G
3.11
Triple Jump SW
12.24
3.15 12.42
Rhianydd Llewellyn Bridgend
Swansea
20.04.08
Sally Peake
Liverpool
Swansea
15.06.08
Liverpool
Swansea
15.06.08
Liverpool
Bedford
22.06.08
Liverpool
Bedford
22.06.08
The mark should not be ratified as a new Welsh Best Performance. Wind reading +3.5
12.42
Sally Peake
The mark should not be ratified as a new Welsh Best Performance. Wind reading +2.4
12.42
Sally Peake
The mark should not be ratified as a new Welsh Best Performance. Wind reading +3.7
12.43
Sally Peake
The mark should not be ratified as a new Welsh Best Performance. Wind reading +5.2
Hammer SW
64.34
64.39
Carys Parry
Rhondda
Loughborough 18.05.08
66.31
Carys Parry
Rhondda
Birmingham
7.06.08
Welsh Championship Best Performances 2008 During 2008, Championship Best Performances were broken or equalled in the following events. Event
Age
Current
Group
Record/BP Record/BP
New
Athlete
Club
Venue
Date Reference
Men/Boys 3000m
U15B
9:35.81
Elliott Hardee
Newport
Neath
10000m
U20M
New Event 37:15.5
9:27.3
Steve McCormack
Abergele
Neath
13.08.08
13.08.08
75mH
U13B
12.4
12.38
Luke Jenkins
Swansea
Swansea
14.06.08
Pole Vault U15B
3.40
3.40
Stephen Guest
Bridgend
Swansea
14.06.08
Javelin
New Event
19.24
Gethin Clarke
Carmarthen Swansea
14.06.08
26.06
William van Klaveren
Kingston & Poly
Swansea
14.06.08
29.02
Sion Howells
Carmarthen Swansea
14.06.08
U13B
29.04
Sion Howells
Carmarthen Swansea
14.06.08
30.63
Sion Howells
Carmarthen Swansea
14.06.08
Women/Girls 200m
U15G
25.12
Rachel Johncock
Colwyn B
Swansea
14.06.08
3.50
Jessica Abraham
Cardiff
Deeside
12.07.08
3.50
Hannah Abraham
Cardiff
Deeside
12.07.08
3.60
Jessica Abraham
Cardiff
Deeside
12.07.08
Rebecca Davies
Deeside
Deeside
12.07.08
Naomi James
Swansea
Deeside
12.07.08
Rebecca Davies
Deeside
Deeside
12.07.08
Pole Vault U20W
Pole Vault U17W
25.28w 3.41
3.20
=3.20
=3.20
3.30
3.30
Christina Hughes
Deeside
Deeside
12.07.08
3.30
Naomi James
Swansea
Deeside
12.07.08
3.40
Rebecca Davies
Deeside
Deeside
12.07.08
3.40
Christina Hughes
Deeside
Deeside
12.07.08
Christina Hughes
Deeside
Pole Vault U15G
3.50
3.00
Triple Jump SW
12.16
Swansea
14.06.08
Sally Peake
Swansea
15.06.08
Liverpool
wa(+3.5) 12.42 wa(+2.4)
59.08
Rhianydd Llewellyn Bridgend
3.10 12.42
SW
12.07.08 14.06.08
Rhianydd Llewellyn Bridgend
Discus
Deeside Swansea
=3.00
Sally Peake
Liverpool
Swansea
15.06.08
59.19
Philippa Roles
Swansea
Swansea
15.06.08
59.52
Philippa Roles
Swansea
Swansea
15.06.08
61.41
Philippa Roles
Swansea
Swansea
15.06.08
Event
Age
Current
New
Athlete
Club
Venue
Group
Record/BP Record/BP
Hammer
SW
63.09
Date Reference
64.00
Carys Parry
Rhondda
Swansea
15.06.08
65.30
Carys Parry
Rhondda
Swansea
15.06.08
66.30
Carys Parry
Rhondda
Swansea
15.06.08
Javelin
15.85
Shauna Quirke
Bridgend
Swansea
14.06.08
17.40
Caitlin Atkins
Swansea
Swansea
14.06.08
19.73
Rebecca Hughes
Swansea
Swansea
Heather Lewis
Pembrokeshire Carmarthen
U13G
1km Walk U15G
New Event
5:27.8
5:04.65
14.06.08 28.06.08
(This performance should not be recognised as a Championship Best Performance as there was only 1 qualified walks judge present)
I would like to thank everyone who helped me by providing information to identify and verify performances for Records/Best Performances.
25
Welsh Athletics
www.welshathletics.org
Compiled by: Ken Bennett Records Officer
Welsh Track & Field Athletes at the Olympic Games The XXVIX Olympics of the modern era was celebrated in Beijing, China from the 15th to 24th August. Disappointingly, of the 68 athletes in the Great Britain Track & Field Team, only two were Welsh. This was the lowest number of Welsh athletes in the Olympic Squads since 1980 when again we had only two representatives.
A total of 52 Welsh Athletes (38 men and 14 Women) have taken part in the previous 27 Olympic Games (including the intercalated Games of 1906) winning 4 Gold, 5 Silver and 3 Bronze medals. The medal winners have been:
The Games since 1980 have been graced by many Welsh Athletes. Six in 1984 and 1992; Seven in 1996; Eight in 2000 and 2004: and our highest ever number of Nine in 1988
GOLD 1912 1920 1920 1964
David Jacobs Cecil Griffiths John Ainsworth-Davis Lynn Davies
4 x 100 Metres 4 x 400 Metres 4 x 400 Metres Long Jump
How many Welsh Athetes should we reasonably expect to wear the Great Britain vest? If we compared it with the population of Wales, which amounts to only 4.9% (2,965,900 persons) of the total number of people in the UK (60,587,300), then we should have had between 3 - 4 Welsh competitors in the this years team.
SILVER 1948 1988 1996
Ken Jones Tom Richards Colin Jackson Jamie Baulch Iwan Thomas
4 X 100 Metres Marathon 110 Metres Hurdles 4 x 400 Metres 4 x 400 Metres
Only two representatives is disappointing when compared with the numbers competing in the last six Olympic Games but the writing has been on the wall. If one examines the number of Welsh Representatives in the Great Britain teams at the 2005 and 2007 World Championships it will be seen that there have been but three at both Championships.
BRONZE 1952 1960 1980
John Disley Nick Whitehead Michelle Probert - Scutt
3000 Metres Steeplechase 4 x 100 Metres Women’s 4 x 400 Metres
The two Welsh athletes in the team for the 2008 Games and their events were Christian Malcolm Philippa Roles
200m WDiscus
Both Christian and Philippa were members of the 2004 Team that competed in Athens and that is another disturbing aspect that there are no new Welsh faces in this year’s squad.
Competition in the Olympics is so fierce that it is generally accepted that reaching the final and finishing in the first eight of any Olympic Track & Field Event is a meritorious achievement. Only ten Welsh Athletes have finished in the top eight in individual events in the 27 Games held since 1896. Christian Malcolm has now appeared in two Olympic finals (2000 & 2008) finishing 5th on both occasions. Outside Wales, Christian is arguably the most underrated sprinter in the UK and it was tremendous to see his return to form after several seasons of frustrating injuries. Of the ten individual finalists (or up to 8th place) Colin Jackson leads with four placements at the 110m hurdles – 1988 2nd, 1996 4th, 2000 5th, 1992 7th. John Disley, Venissa Head and after the 2008 Games, Christian Malcolm have each had two final placements Disley 3000m Steeplechase 1952 3rd 1956 6th Head Shot 1984 6th Discus 1984 7th Malcolm 200m 2000 5th 2008 5th The other six are John Ainsworth-Davies Jump 1920 5th Steve Jones 10000m 1984 8th John Merriman 10000m 1960 8th Tom Richards Marathon 1948 2nd Iwan Thomas 400m 1996 5th To compete in an Olympic Games is often the pinnacle of an athlete’s achievement. Colin Jackson represented Great Britain at four consecutive Games1988, 1992, 1996 and 2000. Four other athletes have competed in three consecutive Games. Lynn Davies in 1964, 1968, 1972, Roger Hackney in 1980. 1984, 1988, Justin Chaston in 1996, 2000, 2004 and now Christian Malcolm who competed in 2000, 2004 and 2008.
26
Welsh Athletics
www.welshathletics.org
Compiled by: Clive Williams - Non Executive Director
Welsh Athletics Milestones 1860 John Chambers holds a sports meeting at Hafod House, Aberystwyth - probably the first record of an athletics meeting being held in Wales 1871 St. David’s College Lampeter and Llandovery College hold sports meetings 1875 Newport Athletic Club formed and start to hold “athletic sports” 1880 Newport represented at the formation of the AAA Chambers also there 1893 First Welsh 100 yards Championship 1894 First Welsh Cross Country Championships 1896 Welsh Cross Country Association formed 1896 Newport Harriers formed. They are the oldest surviving athletics club in Wales 1903 Wales compete in the first international cross-country race in Scotland 1907 First full Welsh Track and Field Championships 1908 First Welsh competitors at an Olympic Games 1929 First Welsh representative match - against Achilles 1930 Reg Thomas wins Wales’ first ever individual gold medal at a major athletics championship – the inaugural Empire (now Commonwealth) Games in Hamilton, Ontario. Thomas ran for England as Wales did not send an athletics team 1934 First Welsh athletics team at the Empire Games 1938 Jim Alford emulates Reg Thomas and wins the Empire Games gold for the mile 1946 Welsh Secondary Schools AAA formed 1947 First Welsh Schools Track and Field Championships 1948 Welsh AAA formed and becomes the first body to govern the sport of track and field athletics throughout Wales 1948 Jim Alford appointed first Welsh National Coach 1948 First match against AAA, effectively Wales v England 1951 Wales first permanent athletics track (Maindy Stadium, Cardiff) opened 1951 Welsh Women’s AAA formed 1954 First full track and field international match against foreign opposition – Ireland 1958 V1th British Empire and Commonwealth Games held in Cardiff 1959 First Welsh Games held incorporating an international match Wales v Pakistan 1961 Ron Pickering arrives in Wales as Jim Alford’s replacement as national coach 1964 Lynn Davies wins Wales’ first and only individual Olympic gold medal 1967 Welsh Women’s CCA formed 1969 British League commences and Pilot Welsh Track and Field League is held 1969 Welsh track and field championships go metric…and move to Cwmbran 1970 First Welsh indoor championships held at St. Athan 1970 Berwyn Price wins Commonwealth Games 110m hurdles title
1972 Lynn Davies retires after winning five gold medals at major international athletics championships. His Welsh long jump record of 8.23m set in 1968, still stands 40 years later 1973 First overseas senior track and field international (Portugal) 1974 Men’s and women’s Cross Country Associations merge 1974 Ruth Martin-Jones becomes the first Welsh woman to win a medal at a major Games – Commonwealth games in Auckland, NZ. 1974 Malcolm Arnold appointed Welsh National Coach 1979 Cwmbran stages the Women’s European Cup semi final 1980 Michelle Probert becomes the first Welsh woman to win an Olympic medal – 4 x 400m bronze in Moscow 1982 Kirsty Wade wins her first Commonwealth title at 800m 1982 Steve Barry wins Commonwealth Games 30k walk title 1985 Steve Jones sets a new world record for the marathon, which still stands in 2008 as the UK and Welsh record (2 hours 07 mins 13 secs) 1986 Kirsty Wade wins Commonwealth 800 and 1,500m titles 1987 The first full time office established by Welsh AAA at Morfa Stadium, Swansea 1989 Cardiff’s new athletics stadium at Leckwith Stadium opens 1990 Athletics Association of Wales (AAW) formed covering all athletics associations in Wales 1990 Kay Morley wins Commonwealth Games 100m hurdles title 1993 Colin Jackson sets a new world record (12.91) for the 110m hurdles and becomes world champion 1995 Fell and Mountain Running in Wales become part of AAW 1994 Neil Winter wins Commonwealth Games pole vault title 1998 First professional administrator for Welsh athletics appointed 1998 Christian Malcolm wins world junior 100 and 200 m titles 1998 Iwan Thomas wins both European and Commonwealth 400m titles 1999 Colin Jackson wins his second world title 1999 Jamie Baulch wins world indoor 400m title 2000 AAW moves offices to Celtic Manor Resort 2000 National Indoor Athletics Centre (NIAC) at University Wales Institute Cardiff (UWIC) established 2002 Colin Jackson retires after dominating world sprint hurdling for 10 years winning 10 gold medals at major international athletics championships 2006 AAW moves offices to Cardiff’s Leckwith Stadium 2007 Welsh Athletics Ltd formed as the governing body for the sport of athletics in Wales and the first permanent Chief Executive Officer appointed 2007 Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson, Britain’s greatest all round Paralympian retires after winning 16 medals as a wheelchair racer from five Paralympics, including 11 golds, as well as winning six London Marathons. 2008 The new Cardiff International Sports Stadium at Leckwith becomes the new permanent home of Welsh Athletics.
For more information, please contact: Welsh Athletics Ltd. Cardiff International Sports Stadium Leckwith Road Cardiff CF11 8AZ 029 2064 4870 www.welshathletics.org