Harlow AC provided three athletes for the Essex team at the regional final of the sports hall athletics. The format is very different to traditional athletics and competitors perform in a series of events that link quite closely to winter training activities. All three athletes came from the HAC sprints group, overseen by Vincent Lawrence:
Regan Lawrence, in the Under 13 category, won his sprint and was part of the victorious 4-Lap Relay team. He also won the Standing Long Jump and Chest Push. Dominique Diomande represented the Under 15 age group and was only able to complete the relay and Long Jump events before illness forced his withdrawal; nevertheless, he won the jump. Shemar Boldiszar was a late call-up and described the day as ‘very different’ – perhaps not a surprising reaction from a young man who has performed at a national level already this season. He won the jump and was part of both the Under 17 relay events. Essex was third overall.
Speaking after Vincent Lawrence said, ‘The boys did amazingly well to really contribute to the Essex team’s final position. Well done to Harlow’s sprints group.’
Steve Lott added, ‘We haven’t really taken Sports Hall (athletics) seriously but with the growing number of youngsters now coming to the club perhaps we ought to. It’s a great way of adding purpose to the long winter night’s training for those not involved in the cross-country teams.’
Meanwhile, Lee Valley hosted the final indoor match of the season. James Petty was Harlow’s only entrant but continued his good start to competitive athletics by finishing fourth in the Under 13 60m event, in a time of 9.16 seconds.