Havering AC athletes enjoyed a highly successful weekend of competition, highlighted by an outstanding performance from Freddie Rowe, who confirmed his status as the UK’s leading Under-18 1500m runner.
Rowe claimed victory at the British selection trials for the European Under-18 Championships, held alongside the Welsh Championships in Cardiff.
Having already achieved the qualifying standard earlier this season, he needed a top two finish to secure selection for the championships in Rieti, Italy from July 16-19.
He eased through his heat in 4.11.96 before producing a dominant display in the final, surging clear with a 25-second closing 200m to win in 3.53.08, finishing three seconds ahead of the field.
There was further success at the South of England Under-14, Under-16 and Under-18 Championships in Chelmsford, where Havering athletes returned with five medals and several personal bests.
Sam Johnson struck gold in the Under-18 shot, improving on last year’s bronze, and also placed fourth in the hammer.
Ameer Salaam claimed silver in the Under-16 shot, with both set to represent Essex Schools at the English Schools Championships in Birmingham.
William Hiles recorded two personal bests to secure double silver in the Under-14 shot and discus, while Romel Semper took bronze in the Under-18 100m and narrowly missed out on another medal, finishing fifth in the 200m.
There were several strong supporting performances, with Aidan Doherty and Shea Sweeney both setting personal bests in the Under-18 800m.
Elijah Lowe was fourth in the Under-14 200m and sixth in the 100m, while Olivia Rae Vaughan and Ava McMillan both reached sprint finals.
Havering’s combined events athletes also impressed at the East Anglian Regional Championships in Bedford, helping Essex qualify for the national final.
Ome Nwapa delivered a dominant display to win the intermediate title with 3,955 points, setting personal bests in four events.
In the senior heptathlon, Oma Nwapa finished second after leading until the penultimate event, while Amy Mansell took third and Maggie Smith placed fifth.
Josh Buxton finished third in the intermediate boys’ octathlon, rounding off another excellent weekend for the club.
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