By Lyn Sole
Despite a gruelling winter training season so far, Thanet Athletics Club and Dane Court School pupil Ismae Abomeli competed in the South of England indoor Championships at Lee Valley on Sunday 14th January.
The 14-year-old had a tight timetable, competing in the Long Jump and 200m U15 girls, with both events being scheduled for 10am. First up was Ismae’s Long Jump qualifier, where she jumped a staggering 5.16m, equalling her personal best and securing her place in the finals. She then had to rush to the 200m start line for the first of the heats where she cruised through to reach the semi-final with a fantastic time of 26.97 seconds.
With only an hour’s break, Ismae headed to her Long Jump final. She jumped a massive 5.20m, a new personal best, securing her the winning spot and South of England championship gold medal.
With another mad dash, Ismae had to make her way straight to her 200m semi final, where she ran an outstanding race in a time of 26.60 seconds and secured her place in the final.
Ismae had a well-earned couple of hours break to recap and focus on her 200m final. With help from her coach James Bridge, she was pumped and ready for the final. Knowing it was going to be a tight race she needed to see what she had left to give after a full day of competing.
Ismae had an excellent run in the final where she secured second place, picking up a well deserved silver medal and was only narrowly beaten by 0.13 of a second.
Ismae has had a dream start to her indoor season, and with her competing in the London Games at the end of January, and at the Nationals held at Sheffield in February it is going to be interesting to see just how far this young talent can go.