Kettering’s star 800m athlete, 17 year old Bennett returned from her first International representing England on a high after a delightful experience competing in the Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad & Tobago.
It was a brilliant 2 weeks for Bennett who performed brilliantly in the 800m in a high quality U18 competition comprising of some powerhouse nations in the world of athletics. Bennett qualified comfortably from her heat to make the final, in a race where she took the initiative to ensure she ran a clean race to finish in second place to the Commonwealth 2nd ranked athlete in the competition India’s Asha Kiran Barla, with a fine race in 2:09.27.
England's Alice Bennett ran a fine heat to qualify in 2nd place for the final.
The final was of terrific quality and Bennett lined up as the 6th ranked athlete in the competition. Bennett ran a shrewd opening lap sitting pout of trouble in the pack, and as expected at the bell the race took off with UK emerging star, the UK all time No1 ranked athlete over 1500m, Pheobe Gill leading the charge. Gill pushed hard and the field extended and Alice found herself struggling at the back, but with a concerted effort she clawed her way back over the final 150m to finish in 6th place running her fastest time in over 2 months with 2:08.29. England’s Gill won in a new Championship Best performance by almost 2 seconds in 2:02.30, to move to number 2 on the UK all-time list for 800m. India's Asha Kiran Barla took the Silver in 2:04.99 and Australia's Fluer Cooper the Bronze in 2:05.86
The performance was especially encouraging for Bennett coming the day after a tough heat and the 6th place finish was as expected and she was happy with her performance in what was a very tough final, easily surpassing European U18 championships levels, and the winning times would have been highly competitive at European U20 level.
Alice has picked up valuable experience of representing her county at a high quality multi-sport International competition and was positively buzzing with her first taste of competing on the highest stage. She will use the whole experience to ensure she maintains all her focus and dedication to continue her International career at U20 level and beyond. A highly motivated Bennett will discuss a number of ideas she feels will help take her forward to the next level with club coach Shane Smith.
Alice Bennett a highly motivating and enjoyable experience with her first full International
A short well-earned 2 week break from running will allow Alice to recover from the competition and then it will be straight back into training with her eyes firmly focused on the approaching winter season, Cross County and preparation for the indoor season.
Very Well Done Alice, a proud moment for Athlete, Parents, Coach & Club