No 1 in Europe – Harriers’ European and briefly World Record Holder !

Sophia Warner, a CP35 (Cerebral Palsy) athlete, had a fantastic end to the season and soared to the heady heights of "Number One in the World" for just twelve hours.
It all began on Wednesday evening at the Brighton Open meeting at Withdean Stadium, where she set a new PB of 18.02 secs in the 100m, (an improvement of nearly four tenths of a second). However, the World Rankings list was updated overnight and, on the other side of the world, an Australian had reduced the record to 17.37secs.
Those of us who know sizzling Sophia knew this would be like a red rag to a bull, as she lined up on the following Sunday at the Crystal Palace I.P.C. event, the final major meet of the year. The result - another huge PB of 17.72 secs, whilst not good enough to reclaim the World Record, it is a new European record!
Sophia has now achieved “A” standards in both the 100m and 200m, ready for the World Championships in New Zealand next January. Selection is made in September and should see Sophia selected as a U.K.A. funded athlete and the proud owner of a GB vest.
Sophia trains with Alan Denyer’s squad twice a week and has knocked four seconds off her time since starting with the group. Her results are due to her sheer determination and commitment and she is a role model for the younger athletes in the squad.
Well done Sophia.
STOP PRESS:
Beth Close and Sophie Spinner went to Bedford to compete in the National Under 15 Girls' Championships. Both made the 200m Final and Beth claimed the silver medal in a club record time of 25.47s, with Sophie not far behind in sixth place. Full report to follow