England Indoor Champs, 23 February 2020

23 February 2020

Competing in her very first major Indoor Championships, Jess Duncton travelled to the English Institute for Sport in Sheffield to contest the age group ( U15 ) 60m Hurdles. The competition boasted the top hurdlers from around the country with Duncton ranking 3rd in the UK.

Competing in Heat 3 of 6, the multi - eventer took first place with a 9.41s clocking sending her through to the semi finals.

Only the first 2 athletes from each of the 3 semi finals were guaranteed a place in the final along with the 2 fastest losers. The times were all very close.  

In the first Semi final, Duncton got away well and straight into her rhythm, it was a fast race with the athletes showing some really clean hurdling, coming off the final hurdle, Duncton showed her strength and speed, powering over the line to claim first place with a new electronic timed PB of 9.13s.

Just under two hours later, Duncton, along with 7 athletes all ranked in the top 10 of the UK lined up to contest the final. Running out of Lane 5, Duncton had a fantastic start and led the race for the first 2 hurdles. An unlucky stumble coming off hurdle 3 knocked her rhythm slightly and was caught by 3 athletes, the 14 year old showed some real mental toughness, holding her position and just finishing outside the medals in 4th place with a 9.15s clocking, the 3rd placed athlete finishing with 9.09s. Although clearly disappointed not to medal, the Cheltenham Harrier was very proud of herself on such a fantastic achievement with the whole experience leading nicely into the outdoor season.