Super Sadie sets new Hampshire Championship best as she goes so close to big target

Determined athlete Sadie Blake had mixed feelings after her impressive performance to win the gold medal in the under-15 girls’ 300m at the Hampshire Championship.
Emily Dunkley finished second (left) and Sadie Blake (right) won the gold in the under-15 girls' 300m race. Picture: David BrawnEmily Dunkley finished second (left) and Sadie Blake (right) won the gold in the under-15 girls' 300m race. Picture: David Brawn
Emily Dunkley finished second (left) and Sadie Blake (right) won the gold in the under-15 girls' 300m race. Picture: David Brawn

The race showed she is in flying form but it was agonisingly close to her getting the time she needed for the English Schools Championships qualification standard.

That’s the big target and there will be plenty more chances to claim that time. Focusing on the county event which is early in the season it was a brilliant win for her and a good time as well with 42.04 – a new championship best performance.

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She said: ‘I’m really pleased. It was a good race, a good event. I’m very happy to get the title.

Sadie Blake wins the Hampshire under-15 girls' 300m title. Picture: David BrawnSadie Blake wins the Hampshire under-15 girls' 300m title. Picture: David Brawn
Sadie Blake wins the Hampshire under-15 girls' 300m title. Picture: David Brawn

‘It was nice to get a championship best as well, I’m very happy but a little bit annoyed I missed out on 42.00. That is the English Schools’ entry standard so I just missed out.

‘It is early on in the season so I’m feeling positive and I’ve got until June to get the time. I’m feeling good and hopefully will be able to get the time.’

Emily Dunkley picked up the silver medal as she stepped down from the middle distance races she will be specialising in with some good speed work (42.94).

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It was good for City of Portsmouth to claim the top-two spots on the podium.

Blake added: ‘I was pushed by Emily Dunkley a lot. We don’t train together because she does 800m and I do sprinting. Ann (Hayter) is a really good coach and she really pushes me.’

In the 200m on Sunday Blake completed a medal double as she picked up a silver. It’s not her favoured event but she ran a good new personal best time of 26.44 after winning her heat and her semi-final to reach the final.

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