The 31st March saw the 40th annual Young Athletes Open Meeting begin in difficult conditions with rain persisting on and off throughout the day, reports Meryl Dickenson. Despite this a number of athletes arrived keen to begin the season well, and as the day went on they did just that.
On the track, events started with the 75m and 100m, with both girls and boys beginning a roll of PBs. These were followed by some outstanding middle distance runs with some seeing up to 13 seconds knocked off their PBs, and medals achieved in the U13W 600m, U15W 800m and U17M 800m. The track events finished with even more young athletes equalling or bettering their PBs in the 200m.
Meanwhile, on the field there was an impressive array of talent shown with strong performances in all the jumps and throws events with a number receiving PBs and further medals awarded in the U13M Shot and the U13W, U15W and U17M Javelin.
Altogether the day proved a great success with some impressive young athletes conquering difficult conditions admirably and leaving some very proud coaches looking forward to seeing how the new season unfolds.