ATHLETICS – CURRENT RECORD HOLDERS

Since the school opened in 1870, participation in sport has been part of life at Fettes. Whether you were in a first team, a House team, or ‘just’ a games session participant, the benefits of regular exercise and being active in our beautiful grounds (whatever the weather) will have been felt by all. For the vast majority of Fettesians regular exercise continues throughout life.

In this edition of the OF Newsletter we are looking back at School Sports Day records. We have been in contact with those whose records were upstanding at the time of going to print (May 2023). Many thanks to all who were able to contribute.

Alicia Lawson (CE 2003–2008) – 300m, 43.4s (2006) and High Jump, 1.60m (2008)

I still play lacrosse for Scotland which I love and find the motivation and confidence it gives me carries over to all aspects of my life.

Alicia Lawson on the Scotland US tour before the 2022 Lacrosse World Cup

Beth Fletcher (CW 2008–2013) – Discus, 27.41m (2013)

I have been playing women’s rugby for the past 10 years. The highlight of my rugby career has been playing for the British Fire Service with a couple of seasons playing for East Midlands Counties as well. I also play American football!

Beth Fletcher in her American Football Team

Dudley Smith (Gl 1972–1976) – Javelin, 49.66m (1976)

I have played sport and trained throughout my life. At different times rugby, sailing, skiing and golf being the main ones.

Dudley Smith just after his record javelin throw in 1976

Jenny Close (CE 1990–1995) – 100m Hurdles, 16.42s (1994)

At school I loved the camaraderie and I just loved having fun and pushing my body to the limit. And I still do. I’ve raced at the Ironman World Champs in Hawaii three times.

Jenny Close running the Two Oceans Ultra Marathon (56km) in April 2023

George Chamberlain (Mo 1992–1997) – 800m, 1m 59.0s (1995)

I always enjoyed the teamwork, competition and camaraderie. Being outside in nature (ideally in the sunshine) with a mix of pupils and teachers aiming for a shared goal. I still run wherever and whenever I can.

George Chamberlain at Fettes Sports Day

Duncan Keith (Inv-Ki 2000–2006) – Triple Jump, 12.66m (2006)

I regularly play in 5-a-side and 11-a-side football teams and I’ve played touch rugby for the Netherlands. I also play golf, padel tennis and normal tennis. I’m happiest when I’m living an active lifestyle!

Duncan Keith competing in a recent relay for his business, Days

Jo Twist (Ar 1986–1991) – Long Jump, 5.15m (1990)

Sports were such a critical part of my life at school and I loved the sense of achievement and pride being part of Team Fettes gave me. What has really remained with me is how important it is to look after your squad in the workplace, and the sense of achievement teams collectively have when they work hard and dedicate themselves to excellence.

Jo Twist competing in the long jump whilst at Fettes in 1990

James Wellwood (CE 1954–1959) – Pole Vault, 3.59m (1959)

At Fettes I was captain of Athletics and won the 1958 Scottish Amateur Athletics competition pole vault. I subsequently achieved three Cambridge University Athletic ‘Blues’ and pole vaulted for several years for the Irish Athletics Team.

James Wellwood winning the pole vault at Fettes Sports Day in 1958

Andrew Young (Inv-Mo 1997–2003) – 1500m, 4m 07.3s (2003)

Even though I was a better runner, swimming remained my passion into adulthood. I train and compete for a swim team here in Lisbon. I hold a few Portuguese swimming titles for my age group.

Andrew Young racing the 1500m at the 2003 Scottish Schools Championships

Louis Le Bayon (Ki 1999–2004) – 100m, 10.8s and 200m, 22.5s (2003)

Without sport at Fettes I would be a different person today. Learning to be brave in defeat and humble in victory, learning to lose as a team and win as a team, learning to never give up until the final whistle. I still play competitive football, run and surf.

Louis Le Bayon sprinting at Fettes in 2003

Connie Thurlow (PS-CE 2005–2012) – 100m, 12.30s and 200m 26.5s (2011)

I played lacrosse throughout my time at university, and in athletics, I was fortunate enough to travel to the United States in 2013 to compete in the biannual Oxford-Cambridge v. Harvard-Yale Meet. I’m still a keen sportswoman.

Connie Thurlow (front left) in the Edinburgh Capital Lacrosse Club

Alasdair MacLeod (JS-Mo 1983–1990) – Discus, 36.08m (1990)

Sport at Fettes was a massively important part of my time at school. The team spirit, physical challenge and the thrill of representing the school were the main motivations. Sport remains a key element in my day-to-day life.

Alasdair MacLeod

Simon Castle (Ca 1988–1992) – 400m, 51.3s (1992)

I’m still very much into sport to this day. I have completed three marathons and countless half marathons for which my PB is 1 hour 32 minutes.

Simon Castle – before another 10k