Double joy at championship for Jemma

Kilbarchan AAC’s Jemma Reekie bagged a double at the Under-20 British Championships.

The event in Bedford also hosted the European Athletics U20 trials. And Reekie continued to shine as she raced ahead of the pack to claim the top of the podium in both the 1500m and 3000m.

Saturday’s action kicked off with the 1500m, as she had to battle through the pack to catch Harriet Knowles-Jones to take first place with a time of 4.18.38.

Warrington AC runner Knowles-Jones finished in a time of 4.19.06, while Bracknell AC’s Amelia Quirk took the bronze medal following a run of 4.23.11, to just beat Anna Smith from Hewark AC.

However, Reekie enjoyed a more favourable gap in the 3000m to break clear and win by almost five seconds in 9:37.22.

Phoebe Barker of Tonbridge AC took silver, while Claudia Lance-Jones from Guildford and Godalming AC clinched bronze. A Kilbarchan AAC spokesman said: “Congratulations to Jemma, coach Andy Young and family for a magnificent performance and season so far.”

Reekie added:“They said the double would be tough and it was, but I’m double British champ over 3K & 1500. Europeans here I come, thanks to my group and coach.”