Banbridge Academy athletes enjoyed a return to track and field athletics after the long winter break. The first competition of the year was the County Down district championships held at the Mary Peters Track in Belfast.

The intermediate and senior championships were held on a sunny Wednesday and some 25 Banbridge Academy athletes representing the school and after some great competition three were successful in medalling and therefore obtaining a place at the Ulster Championships. The three were Emma O’Neill in the senior girls triple jump, Grace Hamilton in the senior girls 400 meters and Anna McKernan in the senior girls 800 meters. Emma had a fantastic set of jumps and came away with a wonderful gold medal while Grace was just pipped at the end of her race and finished in 2^nd place but claimed a new school record time. Anna ran brilliantly to bronze and also claimed a school record. Emma Stewart finished 5^th in the Inter girls 1500m and also set a school record while our Inter girls relay team set a year 11 girls record in the 4x100m race. There were a number of other successful performances and it was a memorable day for all those who took part.

The Mini, Mini and Junior championships were also held at the Mary peters Track a week later and this was also another successful day. Over 25 yr 8-10 pupils attended on the day and the highlight was the performance of Daisy Douglas in the Minor Girls 800M where she ran strongly to claim a Bronze medal. Our relay teams also ran well but were unlucky to lose out and not medal despite some really good performances.

The Ulster championships are next up for the for qualifying athletes and we wish them every success at that level.