Trackspeed1's ever-improving 16-year-old sprinter Anton Daly lines up today in an English Schools 100m final that could define a final curtain on part one of his track career.
As one of the fastest 3 qualifiers to today's intermediate boys (under-17) final, he stands an excellent chance of gaining his first ever international vest - just weeks before he will have to submit to major surgery!
Anton's 10.90 heat run yesterday (Friday 1st) was a personal best by two tenths of a second, and sees only one other qualifier faster than him in today's final. In a sudden death finale, the first two across the line will be selected to represent England at the home schools international v Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland next weekend.
It would be a huge moment for the Blackheath and Bromley sprinter, whose scoliosis condition (poorly-positioned spine) will be operated on in August. It will mean nine months away from the track for Anton, but as both athlete and his coach, John Powell accept, the longer term benefits will undoubtedly be huge.
"Anton is an exceptionally determined young man," said John, "and he will be a far better athlete once he recovers from this procedure. It will be tough, of course, for a teenager not to be able to engage in any physical sport for several months, but if anyone can come out of it a better athlete, Anton can."
Meanwhile, John has flown out to Mannheim, Germany, to watch double English Junior sprints champion. David Bolarinwa, compete against some of the leading athletes in Europe in the annual track gala, representing Great Britain Juniors. He runs in the relay today and 200m tomorrow.
"It's my last chance to get a 200m qualifying time for the European Championships," said David, "so John and I agreed we might as well have a go. It's 21.25 and I ran 21.27 last week, so I know I can do it."
David is likely to ask selectors to include him in both sprints in the European Junior Championships later this month in Tallin, Estonia, if he is successful.
Top-ranked British 200m man James Ellington is also in action this weekend, representing Newham and Essex Beagles in the second round of the British Athletics League, at their Premier League fixture, at Copthall Stadium, Barnet. He goes in the 100m, 200m and sprint relay, while training partner Jason Hussain represents Crawley at their division one fixture at Kingston. Matt Threadgold goes for Belgrave in the 400m at the same venue.
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