Anton Bachorski, of Tonbridge Athletic Club, travelled to Poland to compete for his club over there in their county indoor championships, held at Szczecin. Bachorski, like so many athletes in the UK, has had training severely disrupted over the past few weeks, with tracks and gyms closed. As a result, the eighteen year old has taken the opportunity to spend most of February in Poland, where facilities and competitions are available.
Bachorski recorded 6.99 in his heat on Saturday and then came back and won the final in 6.98. Considering the circumstances with preparation, this compares well to his personal best of 6.90, which ranked him 14th in the UK under 20 age group rankings last year. Bachorski will compete next in the Polish National Indoor Championships between 12th and 14th February.
Meanwhile, back in the UK, Tonbridge Athletic Club has been running a Challenge in an attempt to keep members positive and motivated. This has entailed nominations being put forward for some who have impressed with their determination and results in recent times. More prizes will be awarded later in February, but seven names were recognised in the first wave of awards.
Joshua Beesley was deemed the overall winner, having coped with severe lockdown restrictions since 4th March last year, whilst maintaining his training. Lucy Kingston and Ella de Munck were selected for their individual efforts in raising funds for mental health charities, through targeting sponsored long distance runs. Sprinters Samantha Stubbs and Issy Fassnidge were recognised for adapting to the lack of facilities, whilst training for multi events and sprints. Richard Puxty was recognised by colleagues for putting on strength and conditioning, plus stretching classes, twice a week, utilising Zoom. Finally, young Lucas Gorrill was nominated for bouncing back from the unfortunate position of contracting Covid twice over the months, but battling back with his training.