Candy’s trip to forget

Candy Hawkins’ trip to the World Deaf Athletics Championships in Bulgaria wasn’t one to remember. The Ashford AC athlete’s journey there was delayed four hours due to strikes in France. She then arrived at the track only to find out her name was missing from the 10,000m, and named in the 1,500m in error. Hawkins explained: “We didn’t arrive at Sofia airport until 1.30am, and missed our shuttle bus, meaning we had to stay overnight in a hotel. “We had to be ready at 10am the next morning to get a taxi back to the airport to catch another bus for a three hours journey to Stara Agora.” She added: “The 10,000m was due to take place at 5.30pm local time so I rested and relaxed during the morning to prepare. “I was ready to warm up at 4.05pm, so went downstairs to the call room, as my name wasn’t on the list and wanted to find out why “The technical director checked his email from UK Deaf Sports, but my name had been put down for the 1,500m instead of 10,000m. “I had no idea what had happened, he was really sorry but said there nothing he could do. “I had gone all that way, my training had been paid off, and felt I had wasted my time. “I made sure I was running the 5,000m and finished seventh in a time of 21 minutes, 52.13 seconds which I was pleased with, but won’t forget what happened which was a shame.” The night before leaving, Hawkins ran in the 10,000m Kent Championships at Dartford, finishing second ladies’ vet 45 in a time of 46.01.4.

Candy Hawkins