Last Wednesday saw the opening meet of the University of Birmingham Track & Field Series and it was an unbridled success for all involved
The cancellation of BUCS for 2021 was a real blow for the athletes, so it was no surprise that entries to the competition sold out within hours.
Jake Burkey, president-elect of Birmingham University Athletics Club (BUAC) for the 2021-22 academic year, had a fantastic time competing again for the club, telling Redbrick: ‘after so many months without competition, it felt amazing to put the BUAC vest back on and be part of the university’s first Track & Field Series meet of 2021.
‘As a club, we’ve done a fantastic job in organising such an exciting meet, especially given the circumstances.’
As with the majority of sport in the current climate, no spectators were permitted, but some fantastic music and huge support from all the athletes provided a fantastic atmosphere.
The ‘sea of red’ that is the University athletics club was certainly out in force. Additionally, the meet was broadcasted live on YouTube, allowing spectators to take in some of the brilliant performances on show.
‘As a club, we’ve done a fantastic job in organising such an exciting meet’
There were some breathtaking performances to match the atmosphere. Phil Norman and the current female track captain, Maisie Grice, both stormed to victory in the 2000m steeplechase, both placing in the U.K. all-time top ten for this event. A fantastic achievement for both runners.
Henry McLuckie also achieved a qualifying time for the World U20 championships for the 1500m. Meanwhile Charlie Carvell, Kristian Imroth and Charlotte Alexander all achieved European U20 qualifying times.
In addition to these stellar performances, there were three Tokyo Paralympic qualifiers (Hannah Taunton, Josh Betteley and Polly Maton), and two national record-breakers (David Mullarkey and Sarah Astin). With countless other personal bests, it was certainly a competition to remember.
Current BUAC president George Loxton told Redbrick that ‘the quality of competition arguably shows that we have one of the fastest tracks in the country. We can’t wait to host the following three meets in the series over the coming months.’
‘The quality of competition arguably shows that we have one of the fastest tracks in the country’
In all, the opening meet was an event to be proud of for everyone at Birmingham. The next meet is scheduled for Wednesday 12th May, with details about how to watch on the BUAC Twitter and Instagram.
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