Watch more video of 2012 Aviva England U20, U17 & U15 National Indoor Championships on www.athleticos.org
Matt Fayers achieved one of his dreams of becoming a National Champion reports Stevan Dokic. The 17 yr old went into the final of the Aviva England u/20 indoor national 1500m at the NIA in Birmingham as one of the potential medallists. With some quality athletes up for challenging for medals the tactics were clear. With 12 athletes on the start line Matt had to let the pack settle down in the first 400m yet monitoring any early breaks. Irishman Fitzsimmons led the pack out followed by favorite Purnell with Carrol in close call. Matt moved up the field to the back of the leading pack then tucking into 2nd. As the pace increased after 800m the pack started to spread out. Purnell took a clear lead at 900 with a burst. The race was on with Matt in hot pursuit followed by in form Carrol. At 200m to go Matt tried to go on Purnell’s shoulder. It was now a sprint with no quarter given. The final bend saw Matt race wide in a final attempt to out sprint Purnell. At 20m to go the recent training paid off he took the lead. Purnell body language told all and Fayers pipped him at the line to take the title and a indoor Personal Best of 3:53.20. Results here.
There was more icing on the cake as Matt returned to the clubs presentation night. A warm applause for Matt as President Claire Tompsett read out his grade 1 senior men’s achievements in 2011. For this he received a year’s free membership, free club vest and gift tokens from Athletic advisor Paul Cuddihy.