Tributes for club runner
Coach speaks out after Natasha’s road tragedy
COACH Di Viles has paid her personal tribute to athlete Natasha Lewis after her tragic death after being hit by a car while out running last week.
Lewis, who more recently was known as a road running member of Team Bath AC, actually made her name for the club as an outstanding long jumper and was frequently mentioned in the Chron’s athletics coverage.
Indeed, her best of 5.66m recorded in 2009 as a 16-year-old, is still good enough to leave her third best on the club All-time List behind Jenna Blundell and Claire Angel to emphasise just what a talented young athlete she was back in the mid-noughties.
“Natasha was not just a very talented athlete but also such a nice girl,” said Viles.
“When she first joined Team Bath as an under 11 athlete she was with Lynda Keepen. She then moved to join my group and was very dedicated and worked so hard.
“She earned the success she enjoyed and was never a prima donna.”
That success was considerable in her years as a student at Oldfield School as she won numerous Avon Schools titles and made four appearances at the English Schools Championships.
Arguably her best performance came in 2010 when she narrowly missed out on a medal in the senior girls’ long jump placing fourth while the previous year she soared to a lifetime best of 5.66m when on duty for the South West she won the UK School Games in Cardiff.
“I had the pleasure of coaching Tash from her early to mid teens and she was one of the best long jumpers I ever coached,” added Viles. Tash was just every coach’s dream, a talented hard worker who inspired those around her. Rest in peace, Tash.”
Dave Turner was a team manager at Avon Schools when Lewis was competing and he endorsed Viles’ comments.
“Natasha was a valued member of the Avon Schools Athletics team whilst at school representing her county in the long jump on several occasions,” said Turner.
“She was a delight to team manage and help and was clearly a talented and well-motivated young lady. Our thoughts are very much with her family and friends at this very sad time. So sad.”