Athletics Sparey 'really happy' with his 800m silver for England

EWAN Sparey has spoken of his pride and delight at representing England at the British & Irish Schools Track & Field Championships, in Derby.

- Kevin FAHEY

The Bristol & West AC teenager finished runner-up in the 800m in what proved to be a repeat of the result at the English Schools Championships the previous week when he was beaten by Magnus Ridell of Northumberland.

"I was really happy with my silver," said Sparey. "Rob (his coach Rob Draper) and I had a plan to try and beat Magnus but it went up in the air after a slow first lap. He then ramped it up really quickly and, while we fought hard down the back straight, he got ahead of me to win.

"But overall, I am very happy as I am still a first year in the inters age group and will be back again next year.

"To win my second England vest (his first was for cross country last year) was just an amazing experience. To represent your country and be among the top athletes in the UK was very cool."

>> Sparey's progress at the club he joined as an U13 in 2022 should certainly be an inspiration to other young athletes like Lola Simpson, who is enjoying a rich vein of form at the moment.