London 2012 Olympian Andrew Pozzi (Bristol) started this year 2014 BUCS Indoor Track & Field Championships in style, winning the 60m hurdles in a championship record-winning time of 7.57 seconds.
Equalling his seasons best and just 0.01 seconds off his personal best, Pozzi spoke of his delight having missed out on last year’s championships due to injury:
Meanwhile in the women’s race Karla Drew (Sheffield Hallam) took her first BUCS title with a time of 8.41 seconds. Drew who trains alongside Olympic champion Jessica Ennis and coached by Tony Minichello had twice been a silver medallist in the event but was not to be denied this time, finishing just ahead of Olivia Walker and Lauren O’Reilly.
Last years 60m hurdles champion Marilyn Nwawulor (Middlesex) changed her discipline to the flat race this year and was again crowned a champion. Crossing the line in a time of 7.50 seconds was closely followed by the Cardiff Met duo of Mica Moore and Rebecca Chapman.
The final event of the day was the 60m men’s final and even with European Under 23 champion Adam Gemili missing, it still produced fireworks! As both Adeseye Ogunlewe (Essex) and John Otugade (University C) crossed the line in the same time of 6.74, Ogunlewe was given the win on the dip as Dewi Hammond (Cardiff Met) finished behind the two in a time of 6.84.
With even more action tomorrow, expect a roaring crowd in Sheffield with plenty of drama and athletes pushing themselves to their limits!
