CHADWELL-BASED racer Jake Williamson has racked up a fistful of medals at the Disability Sports nationals at Blackpool at the weekend.
The 14-year-old was delighted with his clutch of gongs.
He said: "I managed to set new personal bests at the championship and knocked a lot of time off my previous best for the 800m."
Jake, who attends Tilbury Gateway and the Jack Lobley school in Tilbury, came back with bronzes in 100m and 200m and three silvers (for the 800m, 4x100m relay and 4x400m relay).
Disability Sport Events (DSE) held the Nationwide Junior Athletics Championships at Stanley Park Stadium, on the July 4-5.
Nationwide Building Society, Spinal Injuries Association, Lions Club International and Blackpool Council supported the event designed to appeal to young Paralympic hopefuls. Hundreds of 12-20 year olds had a chance to compete amongst their peers in a full track and field programme.
Williamson is known to readers of the Gazette for swiming 100 lengths of Blackshots pool to raise money to fund a new wheelchair.
The lad's life is affected by brittle bone — he's had 57 breaks and 10 operations — but he is determined to enjoy life and compete says he mum, Lisa Davis.
Williamson said: "The highlight of the championships for me was the 800m silver.
"I did it and knocked 12 seconds off my PB. The time before was 2.48 and I managed to do it in 2.36.
The youngster's next event is at the world famous Crystal Palace stadium on July 26 as part of a UK Athletics meeting.
The 14-year-old did first wheelchair race in 2007 and has competed twice in the wheelchair London Marathon (placing 3rd in his age category in both 2007 and 2009).
He does most of his training with the Harlow and Mile End clubs.
Thurrock Gazette, 9th July 2009
No comments:
Post a Comment