Another beautiful weekend at the Antrim Forum and another strong performance from our athletes. Only four girls to represent us but what a great job they did. First up on Saturday were Lauren Hutchinson and Charlotte Rea in the u-14 800mts. After taking the time to phone the ANI office on the day before to ensure fair play in deciding the heat seedings for the large entry I was appalled to see our two girls being seeded into the two slower heats. Lauren and Charlotte both won their heats running time trials but the fastest heat provided three quicker times and therefore that's were the medals went. Our girls were denied the opportunity to compete for a medal!!! The official responsible later told me that he had selected the nine fastest athletes for the last heat. When I pointed out the fact that the last three athletes in this heat finished in times outside three minutes and that it would have taken about 30 seconds on his own website to see the rankings he had no answer and he didn't even offer an apology. At least the meeting director had the decency to do do that! Our athletes slotted into fourth and sixth places and without doubt had they had the chance to compete on a level footing they both had a live medal chance. Absolutely inexcusable from the officials involved!! It is a matter which I shall pursue! On the Sunday in the older age groups Aoibhin McKay jumped a season's best 1.45 to claim an excellent third place. Brilliant effort from the Banbridge girl who jumped with conviction and belief. Last one on was reigning u-15 and Ulster schools champ Aislinn Crossey now bidding for the u-16 title. Only three other competitors lined up but despite carrying a slight injury and suffering from a cold there was only ever going to be one winner and Aislinn went about her work in a professional manner and is now a triple Ulster champion. Congratulations and well done to our four athletes.
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