Indoor success brings silvers

Ashford AC

Two of Ashford AC’s outstanding young athletes won silver medals at their first attempt at a major indoor championships.

Sarris Teale and Kristian Samwell-Nash both competed at last weekend’s U15/U17 Southern England Indoor Championships in London.

Sarris was beaten to the gold medal in the triple jump after being in a winning position with just her rival’s last jump to be completed.

The 14-year-old, who also competed in the long jump and 60m sprint, jumped an indoor best of 10.36m.

After a tremendous rookie season last summer, including winning silver at both the England Schools and England National Championships, SamwellNash, 15, decided to try his hand on the smaller banked track.

Not only is he now in the under-17 age group but he has moved up to 400m, with the need to run three races in just one day.

It’s rare for a 15-year-old to compete at this level with experienced 16-year-olds but Kristian ran a PB of 51.04 in the final to win a converted silver medal. He is now ranked UK No. 2 for the 400m.

Two other Ashford members were also competing at their first major indoor championships.

Ella Saxby, returning to competition after an ankle injury, just missed out on a semi-final place in the under-17 200m. Kaliyah Lacey made it into the under-15 60m hurdles semi-final, running a personal best of 9.65.

Ashford’s athletes are now looking forward to the London Games at the Lee Valley Arena at the weekend.

Kristian Samwell-Nash