As we hit the halfway mark of this term, the Burgess Hill Girls Athletics Team has truly dazzled on the track, competing in the annual Diamond League, Track and Field Cup, and Mid Sussex Trials with the flair of seasoned champions.
Under the relentless enthusiasm of Mrs. Denman, our girls have been sprinting towards success like arrows from a bow. Her meticulous planning and structured training sessions have served as a guiding compass, steering our athletes toward their full potential while uncovering hidden talents during the off-season at K2.
Not to be overshadowed, several girls competing outside of school have been making waves, shattering personal records and clocking in impressive times this season.
With over 30 girls competing every Saturday, their commitment to athletics has caught the attention of parents, staff from other schools, and the department alike. This remarkable turnout is a testament to the girls’ passion for the sport, shining brighter than a gold medal.
The camaraderie and support among the team have been one of our greatest victories. On days when some girls weren’t competing, they transformed into cheerleaders, motivating their teammates and proving that teamwork can be just as powerful as individual performance.
Last Saturday’s Diamond League Finals Day at Withdean Stadium was a perfect showcase of this spirit, with support echoing through the stands like a chorus of encouragement.
Here’s a glimpse of the day’s highlights: 34 Burgess Hill Girls took to the field, bringing home 14 medals, with standout performances deserving of the spotlight:
- Lucy Bryant, the epitome of consistency, has sprinted her way to the title of county champion with a personal best of 11.84 seconds in the hurdles.
- Millie Topping showcased her prowess in the 800m, finishing strong to clinch silver, leaving the 3rd place runner in the dust during the final 100m.
- Maria Breeze, equipped with her own starting blocks, dashed to gold in the 100m race. Perhaps it’s time to invest in those starting blocks for next year!
- Amber Flood hurled her way to gold in the discus, demonstrating remarkable improvement in her distance this season.
- Relay Teams – And let’s not overlook the excitement of our relay teams! They functioned like a well-oiled machine, perfecting their handovers and strategising for optimal results. Their hard work was evident, as they narrowly missed gold, finishing with a sparkling silver.
A special shout-out goes to our Year 11 cohort, who, despite being on study leave, have shown unwavering dedication by training and competing every Saturday.
On behalf of the department, we are immensely proud of the girls who have sacrificed their Saturdays for the Diamond League. This experience has not only sharpened their skills but also forged lasting friendships and positive memories that will carry with them.
Finally, a heartfelt thank you to all parents and PE staff, whose support has been instrumental in ensuring that the girls could participate in these events throughout the term. And let’s not forget to applaud Miss Cook’s cake-making skills, which gathered many compliments that resonated across the athletics team. Given all the athletic success, one might wonder—what magic was in that cake?
