Sian Pledger starred in the National Final of the Street Athletics sprint event, narrowly missing out on first place in a photo finish. The 18 year old Bolton Harrier had won the Manchester regional event on Friday to qualify and pushed winner Monica Bramwell of Luton all the way to the line in Saturday's final with a time of 8.41 seconds.
The 60m races are the brainchild of Olympic sprint Gold and Silver medallists Linford Christie and Darren Campbell, who set the event up to encourage more youngsters to participate in athletics. The 60m sprint straight was borrowed from Birmignham's National Indoor Arena for the weekend and rolled out in Manchester's Albert Square. Times were not fast with the athletes unable to wear spikes or use blocks, but competition has been fierce in the nationwide event. As one of the first two finishers in her age group Sian will receive a year's supply of kit from sponsors Nike, mentoring from Christie and Campbell and a trip to Crystal Palace to see the British Grand Prix next year.
Her achievement was all the more remarkable after missing most of the track season with glandular fever and unable to train since May on medical advice. Usually to be seen competing in long Jump as well as sprints, she will have high hopes for next season however. She has decided to take time off after her A Level studies and now plans to spend the winter training full-time in Malta with an international Long Jump coach. The occasional piece of advice from the likes of Christie and Campbell certainly won't do the ambitious teenager any harm.