Athletics Holly and Eleanor strike gold at English Schools

ELEANOR McIntosh and Holly Sanigar are both celebrating the biggest wins of their career after starring at the English Schools Track & Field Championships.

- Kevin FAHEY

Has Bristol & West AC ever won two golds at this meeting before? Veteran observers of the club couldn't come up with two athletes achieving that, let alone two who are good friends and roomed together as members of the Avon team at the championships, held at Alexander Stadium, Birmingham.

The success of both underlines how hard work, persistence and no little talent will ultimately lead to success. McIntosh only made her debut in 2023 and was knocked out in the heats of the inter girls 400m.

Last year she improved to finish fifth in the final of the senior 400m and last weekend she made it to the top of the podium, destroying her rivals in the process.

"It was my last chance as I have never done that well in the English Schools before," said McIntosh, 18.

"I wanted one more chance to do well so I am happy with how it went. It is a bit sad that was my last one but really I have never liked the English Schools!

"But I will probably come back and watch it next year and watch my friends like Holly."