Emily Williams, has been confirmed among an English Schools squad selected for the ISF World Schools Cup in Split, Croatia.
Emily Williams is one of a dozen of England’s finest athletes (6 male & 6 female) aged 15-18 who have been picked to represent their country at the International School Sport Federation (ISF) World Schools Cup in Split, Croatia, on May 13-19. This event attracts some of the world’s top 15-18 year old athletes.
The event, which his taking place for the 23rd time, sees athletes from 37 different nations taking part and England won the event when it was last held two years ago.
The call up was a bit of an unexpected surprise for Emily, who is the only Middle Distance representative in the 6 girl team event. The format of the event is unique in Athletics & is similar to a heptathlon event, with athletes from various disciplines (Throws/ Jumps/ Endurance/ Sprints) each compete for points allocated for the distance/ height/ time they run. So it’s not just a race for Emily but also an individual time trial.
Emily Williams winning the SIAB International 1500m in 2018
Emily who had the choice to run either over 800m or 1500m, has decided to go for the 2 lap event and it’s something she is really looking forward to testing herself with. “I am so grateful and elated to be selected to represent England in Croatia. It was amazing to receive the news and I’m so excited to be competing against runners from across the world. It came as a massive surprise and I’m so thankful for the opportunity.”
Emily who enjoyed an outstanding track season in 2018, finishing the UK number 1 at 1500m & UK number 2 over 800m, and winning a European U18 Silver, English schools & SIAB International Gold all over 1500m. She has also enjoyed a great winter season over cross country and she enters the season in great shape, targeting the European U20 Championships in Sweden in July.
Coach Shane Smith has made some minor adjustments to her training & race plan to ensure she will be in great shape for the competition and he also is looking forward to this unique event “The selection of Emily is fantastic news for her and really comes as no surprise, she has enjoyed a fine winter season over cross country off the back of a phenominal track season in 2018. She has a great track record for delivering results at major championships”.
The event will hopefully be broadcast on Facebook so you will be able to catch her performance live, more details to follow.
Congratulations to Emily on her 7th International vest and we wish her the very best of luck.
The England team is:
Girls: Mia Chantree – 300m hurdles & high jump (Essex); Emily Williams – 800m (Northamptonshire); Serena Vincent – shot put & 100m (Hampshire); Jasmine Jolley – 300m hurdles & long jump (Lancashire) (pictured above); Abigail Pawlett – 100m & high jump (Cheshire); Jenna Blundell – 100m hurdles & long jump (Avon).
Boys: Dominic Ogbechie 200m & long jump (London) (pictured below); Joshua Douglas – discus (Hampshire); Jack Higgins – 800m (Kent); Harrison Thorne – high jump & 110m hurdles (Berkshire); Theo Adesina – long jump & 110m hurdles (Essex); Raphael Bouju – 100m & long jump (Bedfordshire).