Hurdler holds on for title after stride trouble

Romford Recorder: Havering's Isobel Ives was in fine form at the School Games in ManchesterHavering's Isobel Ives was in fine form at the School Games in Manchester (Image: Archant)

Michelle Hughes admitted being too quick almost proved her downfall after winning a tight 300m hurdles final at the Sainsbury’s 2014 School Games.

Hughes crossed the line in 43.90 seconds to hold off Scottish rival Pamela McNicol and Heather Cooke (North East).

And the Havering member revealed her unexpected speed plus clipping a hurdle late in the race almost cost her gold in Manchester.

“It feels really good to be a School Games champion. For the most part it was a good race,” she said.

“I think I was running faster than usual which altered my stride pattern slightly for the first part.

“Then it was going perfectly until the second last hurdle where I took it on my wrong leg. That was quite scary as the Scottish runner was catching me, but I managed to keep my head and hold on.

“Usually when you add an extra stride to your pattern you can’t come back from it, but I realised if I didn’t come back I would be caught so I had to suck up a last bit of energy to get home.”

Upminster’s Isobel Ives, 16, claimed a fine silver in the 800m, having won the England Under-17 title a week earlier.

And, despite missing out on another win, Ives was satisfied with a time of 2:11.24.

“I was a little bit disappointed I lost it in the last bit, but overall I’m very happy,” she said.

“I had a bit of a rough week leading up to the Games. I wasn’t 100 per cent so I couldn’t kick in that last 100m, but I’m very happy. It was a really good experience.

“I haven’t really been to a four-day competition before so it was a really good experience.”

n The Sainsbury’s 2014 School Games, which is supported by National Lottery funding from Sport England and delivered by the Youth Sport Trust, was held in venues across Manchester from 4-7 September 2014.

Visit www.2014schoolgames.com for more information.