Emily Williams achieved one of her main goals in the sport when her selection was confirmed for her first full GB vest and to represent Great Britain & Northern Ireland in the European Athletics U18 Championships in Gyor, Hungary between the 05th & 08th July.
Kettering’s outstanding youngster was selected for the 1500m, an event she is ranked No1 in the UK for, and she will battle against the very best athletes from Europe. 16 year old Emily who is currently ranked 3rd in Europe in the U18 age category will compete in her first International event in a GB vest and she is hoping this experience will kick start her Junior International career.
Emily Williams secures her first full GB International vest
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The European Athletics U18 Championships will see nearly 1,000 athletes from 48 member federations all over Europe competing in the second bi-annual championship which saw GB lead the medal table in the inaugural championship held in Tbilisi, Georgia. With a 33 strong GB team announced today: UK Athletics will be hoping for more success in a competition which gives younger athletes a taste of full international competition. With 50 athletes reaching the qualifying standards set by UK athletics Emily has done tremendously well to make the team.
Coach Shane Smith was delighted with the news of Emily’s selection “Emily has been incredibly consistent over the past few years, and is the only athlete has set qualification times in both the 800m & 1500m so I am not too surprised she has been selected for her first full international GB vest”. He added “I’m incredibly proud to be helping Emily to achieve the success she richly deserves and it shows if you're prepared to work hard anything can happen”.
Emily was similarly delighted to be earning her first GB call up, "I am immensely pleased to have been selected to represent GB, at the moment it all feels surreal and I can't quite believe it. I am so excited, and I would like to thank my coach and parents for everything they do and to Northampton School for Girls for their terrific support over the last few years".
Emily had her last race before the championships, competing at the latest BMC Grand Prix at Loughborough and she produced another fine performance just outside of her PB in the 800m "A" race and she goes into the championship in fine form looking to test herself against the best in Europe.
Emily’s proud parent Rosie & Rodney will be joining her coach and supporting Emily in Hungry along with Hungarian native and Middle Distance Squad training partner Kristina Kurutcz who will all be flying the flag for Kettering Town Harriers during the 4 days of competition.
We wish Emily the very best of luck!