Close Shave for Wilkinson
Talented youngsters from Teesside made a big impact at the National Schools Biathlon Championships staged at Bath University last weekend. The biathlon is an event, which consists of competitors completing a 100m swim and a 1000m run with the times from each event represented by a point’s total.
The performance of the day came from 15-year-old Chris Wilkinson a member of Tees Active Sports Academy and Billingham Amateur Swimming Club who took gold in the boys year 11 competition. The Sacred Heart pupil took the honours in an incredibly tight event. After a 100m swim and a 1000m run Chris and Angus Hodder had exactly the same points total of 2453 points but Chris took the title as he had the superior overall race placements. Chris did not only have a close battle against Angus, his Academy and Billingham team-mate. Bradley Dixon took bronze as he finished 1 point, which equates to 0.1 second, behind Chris and Angus.
Teesside totally dominated the boys Year 11 race as Michael Young a pupil at Ian Ramsay school and a member of the Borough of Stockton Swim Squad put in a great performance to finish fourth.
The Borough of Stockton Swim Scheme had more reason for cheer as Rachel Gray battling back after illness finished 8th in the girls Year 11 race. Team-mate Catriona Bruce, not to be out done in the girls year 9 race also finished in 8th place.
The ever modest Chris said, “I am really pleased with the result but it definitely was one of the closest events I have ever competed in. I will know focusing on the National Biathlon competition in May which will be held in Norwich.”
For more information on the Academy contact Academy Manager Allan McDermott on (01642) 528772.