Emily Shaw’s fine win at the English Schools Athletics Championships at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham on 13 July, saw her herded away from the podium and into the ‘International Room’.
One week later (20 March) Emily was in action once again over 3000m, the previous week’s Dorset vest being exchanged for an England one. The meeting was a home international staged by the Schools International Athletics Board and hosted at Swansea University. Emily’s England team mate in the 3000m was Pippa Roessler (Aldershot, Farnham & District/Surrey Schools) who had been runner-up in Birmingham. The England girls faced a challenge from pairings from Ireland, Scotland and Wales plus an additional guest runner from Ireland.
The race followed a similar pattern to a week earlier, it was tactical with relatively slow early laps. The sprint for home started a little further out this time, with the two England girls showing off their late race pace to secure a convincing 1-2. Emily’s winning time was 10:05.67, with Pippa four seconds back. Their nearest challengers were the Scottish pairing of Julia Cash (10:13) and Pippa Carcas (10:28.91).
For Emily this is her fourth England vest in three years, a fabulous achievement in itself. This was her first England vest as a track athlete. She’s always been great value on international duty, but her 3000m is Emily’s first victory in an England vest.
