School pupils go top of the class with national athletics golds

TWO Ballard School pupils have won gold at the Independent School Association’s (ISA) National athletics championships following record-breaking success at the ISA London West Athletics championship.

Theo Shaw secured gold in Javelin, and Ella Adams achieved gold in both the 100m and 4x100m relay. Ballard’s Jemima Chetwood also competed in the National Championships and accomplished an impressive silver medal in the 600m while competing against pupils a year older.

The students had previously competed at the ISA London West athletics championships early in June and were part of a team that won 23 medals and four regional championship records.

Ballard's Lana Blake, who smashed broke numerous records at the London West athletics event, took the decision not to compete at the National athletics championship.

She is currently focusing on competing in the English School Nationals, where she is hoping to break more records.

Andrew McCleave, Headmaster at Ballard School, said: “I am very proud of all our pupils who participated in the ISA London West Athletics and National Athletics. Their achievements were outstanding across the board.”

Finlay Wood, PE teacher at Ballard School, was pleased to see that his students' hard work paid off in training: "The pupils worked so hard in the run-up to these competitions and really deserve their fantastic achievements. A special well done to them all.”