Athletics Holly braced for 'tough' 800m test at English Schools Championships

HOLLY Sanigar is hoping to produce her best result of the season when she lines up for Avon at the English Schools Track & Field Championships next week.

- Kevin FAHEY

The 17-year-old 800m runner is one of 13 athletes from Bristol & West AC who will be heading up the M5 on Thursday for the two-day event at the Alexander Stadium, Birmingham, which begins on Friday.

"I think my season has gone really well so far," said Holly.

"I had a stress fracture in my ankle in February so it was a rough start to the year, but I did a lot of cross training to keep fit. So, I was shocked to open my season with a PB (2:10.96) at Millfield and I have since run some solid 2:11s as well.

"Hopefully I can go sub 2:10 this summer but next week is all about the championships.

After starting her running career in 2021, clocking a best of 2:23.14 for the 800m, Sanigar has improved steadily year on year. In each summer she has qualified for the English Schools and boasts an impressive record, finishing sixth on her debut as a junior girl in 2022 and then matching that as a top age inter girl last season.

Now she is a first-year senior, when fields start to get smaller but the quality rises.

"There are 20 girls entered for the senior girls 800m in three heats, with the top two automatically qualifying for the final plus the two fastest losers," added Holly.

"There are so many fast girls in the event so it is going to be tough to qualify, but the aim is to reach the final. But I love the event. I have made so many friends through Avon Schools and at the nationals, the Alexander Stadium is a great place to race and the competition is brilliant."