On Saturday 15th of June. sisters Elizabeth and Charlotte Clay entered the Gateshead International Stadium to represent County Durham at the ESAA Inter-Counties Championships. Competing against the best school Athletes from northern counties – Northumberland, North Yorkshire, Cumbria and Cleveland.
Elizabeth taking on the Inter Girls 100m and Charlotte competing in the Junior Girls 300m.
Though both competing throughout the athletics season, the qualification process was through English Schools Athletics Association (ESAA) events held during May and June. Charlotte received a surprise late call up for 300m after training for 200m, which proved to work in her favour. After one training and strategy session beforehand, it was clear this distance suited Charlotte’s running style.
The event first being the ESAA T&F Cup – County Rounds, 14th May at Monkton Stadium in Jarrow, where the girls, running for Hummersknott School, finished first in their respected races. Both winning by a comfortable margin.
Following on from that was the ESAA T&F Cup Championships 5th & 6th June at Middlesbrough Sports Village for Elizabeth and York University for Charlotte. Running for Durham Schools, against a more competitive field, Elizabeth again comfortably winning her race, and Charlotte taking a hard earned third place.
This set up for the final qualification round held on 8th June at Monkton Stadium the ESSA Track & Field Championships. Both girls knowing that only first and second place for each event go on to represent their County at Gateshead Stadium. Taking into consideration this was only Charlotte’s third time at running this distance against more experienced competitors. She ran a perfectly judged race, overtaking two on the final straight to clinch third position. Shocked to be told at finish, she had also qualified, and invited to join the team. Sister Elizabeth giving two thumbs up, in support when seeing Charlotte proudly trying on her purple County Durham hoodie. The pressure was now on to get both girls through.
Inspired and focussed, Elizabeth made the perfect start on hearing the gun. Storming into the lead for the first 40m, running at a superb pace and took second place to book her place and to get that all important purple top.
Both girls performed exceptionally well on the day at Gateshead Stadium for County Durham at the ESAA Inter-Counties Championships. Especially Charlotte who, earlier in the year, was diagnosed with Autism and has had to overcome many challenges her whole life. So, to be able to race in front of large crowds with remarkable composure and leave the track, smiling and full of confidence is truly wonderful to see. It shows how special sport can be to aid children.
Well done girls, be very proud of your achievements.