Goodman’s stitched up

ATHLETICS RICHARD Goodman, 23, and Hannah Viner, 20, experienced contrasting fortunes at the English National Cross Country Championships in Nottingham.

Goodman was forced to pull out of the senior men’s event after suffering a serious spike wound, while Viner placed 28th out of 788 competitors in the senior women’s race.

MetLeague Series champion Goodman entered his race with realistic expectations of winning a medal. “I was in the leading group on the first full lap when I lost a shoe in the mud,” he recounted.

“I continued for another lap but was forced to take off the other shoe in order to balance my stride.

“Then a spectator shouted out that my ankle was bleeding and I needed to stop. I had been unaware of it, but the wound needed 12 stitches. I only hope that my enforced layoff proves to be a blessing in disguise.”

Lia Radus, 15, and her sister Maayan, 12, had successful outings in the U15 and U13 events.

Lia helped Blackheath & Bromley secure team bronze while Maayan led the club home to team gold medals.