Golden Start for Kilty
Stockton sprint sensation Richard Kilty has a date with former Olympic Champion Linford Christie. Seventeen year old Richard who is a member of Gateshead Harriers and Tees Active Sports Academy is travelling with his coach, former international athlete, Jared Deacon to Brunel University to meet up with the sprinting legend.
The trip has been organised by UK Athletics World Class Talent Programme and will enable Linford to pass on valuable advice on starting techniques to the young sprint star. Richard said, “This is an excellent opportunity for me to meet up with possibly the greatest sprinter ever in the UK. He has to have an awful lot of advice to offer and I’ll be taking everything on board.”
Richard has been coached by Jared Deacon for the past 6 months and is beginning to reap the rewards of his 3 times per week training sessions at Gateshead. His indoor season has started in spectacular style with gold medals at the North of England U20’s Championships in the 60m and 200m. This involved Richard producing a PB and a Championship record of 21.70 in the 200m.This was followed up with a gold in North of England Senior Championships 200m.
There is no rest for this talented athlete as he travels this weekend to Cardiff as he has been called up to compete for the England U20’s team in the 200m and the 4 x 200m relay team as he competes for his country in the Celtic Cup.
Richard added, “I am really benefiting from the guidance given to me by Jared, this is my first year in the Under 20’s and this year will be all about progression and building a strong foundation for my long term athletics career.”
If you would like more information regarding Tees Active Sports Academy contact Allan McDermott, Academy Manager on (01642) 528772.