Outstanding competition for England team at Swedish Combined Events
A strong England team took on athletes from Sweden, Germany and Norway at the Swedish Combined Events championships held just outside Stockholm. This was the first time sending a team to this event - our English athletes were promised good competition and this did not disappoint.
Team Leader Rafer Joseph noted that the value of this type of development opportunity for our combined event athletes can not be underestimated:
"There was a great team atmosphere was created by a mix of experience, with supportive coaches and physio adding to the mix. I am encouraged for what the summer will bring for these talented individuals!"
Notably - Lewis Church, Bryony Bovell and Ruby Tilson (U20) all placed top of their podiums, with Ava John (U20) placing second and Sammy Ball third overall. Men’s Team Captain, Lewis Church, explained his approach:
"Competing at the Swedish Championships, courtesy of England Athletics, was a resounding success. Being in an unfamiliar environment allowed me to focus solely on the competition and my performance, which elevated my game."
Bryony Bovell – Women’s Team Captain also set a great example. She said:
"The England girls had a great weekend at the Swedish championships, having the top performance in each individual event and winning both senior and U20 competitions! The whole team was supportive of each other and gained amazing experience, especially those earning their first international vest."
Results
Senior men
- Lewis Church (Tonbridge/Medway & Maidstone, David Hull): 1st - 5831
- Sammy Ball (Reading AC, Rafer Joseph): 3rd - 5760
- Stephen Simmons (Tonbridge, David Hull): 7th - 5389
Senior women
- Bryony Bovell (Harrow, Ashley Bryant): 1st - 4032
- Neve Davenport (Trafford, Jessica Taylor-Jemmett): 5th - 3748
- Emily Tyrrell (Exeter, Francis Baker): DNF
Under 20 men
- Luke Pichler (Blyth Daniel Njai-Rowney): 2nd - 5150
- William Alexander (Reading AC Michael Dyer): 4th - 4933
- Sam Wright (Chelmsford Simon Hemmings): DNF
Under 20 women
- Ruby Tillson (Havering Mark Bishop): 1st - 3780
- Ava John (Windsor Slough Eton & Hounslow): 2nd - 3756
- Matilda Secker (Tonbridge Mark Ormerod): 6th - 3495