welsh athletics 2007-08 annual report

2007—08Welsh Athletics

Annual ReportRealising our potential

Road Running p9

Roll of Honourp20

Hall of Famep21

Competition reviewp7

5011 athletesbelonging to71 clubssupported by480 active coaches354 active officialsand you…

� Welsh Athletics www.welshathletics.org

In reflecting the achievements of Welsh Athletics over the past year, I am confident that we have a strong and secure governance structure in place for our sport. Staff team members lead by our CEO Matt Newman and key volunteers have been engaged in a considerable amount of focused group work to achieve what I believe to be a streamlined and transparent structure. The expertise and strong steer from the Board of Directors has clearly been influential in the evolution of the company. Links between the Board, the General Council, Regional Athletics Councils, Sub committees and task groups will now be clearer, I wish to thank all those individuals who have contributed to this process.

An analysis of the ‘activity’ profile of Welsh Athletics will reveal that at the time of writing, twenty eight projects were being undertaken by the staff team and volunteers. The working relationship between staff and volunteers is crucial if we are to achieve our mission statement. The Board and General Council have an important role to play in determining and effecting strategies to strengthen these relationships. The roles and responsibilities of both the staff team and key volunteers will therefore be reviewed in the coming months in order to further develop this working relationship.

Commercial activity over the past year has focused on confirming and extending revenue streams with our two main funding partners as well as the development of marketing tools to attract new sponsors. It is anticipated that the re-branding exercise and the production of a marketing brochure will result in additional sponsorship and secure ongoing support from our current sponsors.

Life has been particularly difficult for the staff team at the Welsh Athletics office and I would like to thank them for their patience, commitment and application during this difficult period. Having to re-locate three times in one year has been an enormous challenge and all colleagues have responded admirably. We now have a modern office and meeting room at the new Cardiff Stadium. A special thanks to the City of Cardiff Council for their support in providing a home for Welsh Athletics in the new Cardiff International Sports Stadium.

Welsh Athletics is already in discussion with the City of Cardiff, the Welsh Assembly Government and UKA to bring major events to Cardiff and other parts of Wales.

The further development of performance centres has been high on the agenda over the past year and there has been considerable

In the following pages are reports on various aspects of the activities of Welsh Athletics Limited, reflecting on the events of the past year and indicating plans for future developments. In an eventful year since the last AGM, when the company was a mere six months old, the whole organisational structure has been reviewed and proposals for change will be considered at the AGM.

One major development was the construction of the superb new athletics track at Leckwith. As well as providing excellent facilities for Welsh Athletics’ administrative headquarters, which moved in there in September, it is anticipated that the stadium will be the venue for some top class athletics meetings in future years.

In this Olympic year two Welsh athletes, Christian Malcolm and Philippa Roles, were included in the British team for Beijing and deserve our warmest congratulations. At an excellent presentation dinner, the achievements of both past and present champions were recognised. With world standards continually improving Wales must make plans for the development of athletes at all levels. There is the ever

present need for more coaches and officials and these needs are being addressed. All these and other subjects will be covered in this report.

It is always gratifying to see the contribution that some of our dedicated people make being officially recognised, and appropriate awards will be announced at the AGM. On a sadder note, I must record the passing of Ann Hill (coach), Eileen Haskins, MBE (official), Pat Parkes (administrator), Terry Thomas (official) and Ted Kelland (athlete), all of whom served our sport with distinction in their respective fields. Also John Cronin, who collapsed and died during the Glynneath Boxing Day road race.

Thanks are due to all those, both volunteers and staff, who have contributed to the success of Welsh Athletics and who will undoubtedly continue to do so. There is much we can look back on with satisfaction; there is much we can look forward to with anticipation.

Alan CurriePresident, Welsh Athletics Ltd

Foreword by the President & Report from the Chair of the Board

Report from the Chairinvestment in promoting the National Indoor Athletics Centre to become the next UK HIPAC centre. Working with UKA and SCW we have been able to secure two additional appointments, a strength and conditioning coach and a physiotherapist. In addition, the setting up of three Athletic Development Centres in Cardiff, Deeside and Swansea will strengthen regional athletics activity for both clubs and schools for the simultaneous development of athletes and coaches / teachers. These centres will be fully supported by co-ordinators, coaches and the National Coaching Team.

The performance of athletes during the past year has given us a great deal to be proud of. My sincere congratulations to both Christian Malcolm and Philippa Roles on their selection for the Beijing Olympics. Both athletes overcame difficulties prior to selection; Christian’s problems were health related and Philippa was not funded by UKA, this makes their performances and selection even more special. A number of our younger athletes have also produced some exciting performances during the year; there have been a number of excellent individual and team results which bodes well for the future. Performances in UKA age group Championships, the Celtic Games, SIAB, the UK Schools

Games and off track have been particularly encouraging. Many of these results serve to reaffirm the successful partnership and close working relationships with the Welsh Schools Athletic Association.

The focus for the coming year will be on delivering the following:

* The production of a Business Plan for the cycle 2009 – 2013.

* Sponsorship and income generation with the view to improving and extending athletics provision at all levels.

* Club and Regional development.

* The provision of a competition structure across all disciplines which will support the athlete pathway.

* The further development of coach and officials’ education.

* The development and implementation of an effective PR and Communication strategy.

* The strengthening of alliances with our strategic partners to take advantage of new opportunities to enhance the development of athletics at all levels

* The further development of strategies to increase the volunteer workforce.

* To produce an effective Performance Management strategy and CPD programme for existing staff.

It is important that Welsh Athletics continues to have a close working relationship with UKA. The CEO group representing the four Home Countries is now making a significant difference in terms of influencing policy and practice. This has resulted in the Home Countries being given devolved responsibility for the implementation of a variety of functions previously undertaken centrally. We must therefore ensure that we have the skills and resources to deliver these effectively. In addition to the CEO’s forum a number of senior members of staff and key officials are directly involved in the UKA Members Council, Committees and Task groups which serve to ensure that we are up to date and able to respond to recent developments.

In looking forward we want Welsh Athletics Ltd to be a strong and secure voice for our sport in Wales, where the membership has a vital role to play in influencing the way in which the sport grows and develops.

Lynette HarriesChair of the Board of Directors

Foreword

Since September 2007, the Board’s vision and my approach to leading the organisational change within Welsh Athletics has been focused on the need to establish a modern, credible, national governing body for athletics in Wales. This approach is based on a two phase plan. Firstly, by establishing organisational stability through the solid business foundations of financial control and effective governance. Secondly, by redefining a vision for athletics in Wales and communicating this in the next four-year strategic plan to our key stakeholders and funding agencies.

The progress this year has been excellent and I would like to thank the staff, committee and working party members for their contributions. As we approach the end of the first phase, the move into our new office accommodation and the launch of the new brand image provide a clear statement of the changing face of Welsh Athletics.

The strategic planning is now driven by a November deadline to produce our next four-year strategic plan and one year operational plan. These documents will set-out the strategic aims for the next cycle (2009-2013) and will show how the combined efforts of the staff and volunteer teams will be harnessed towards the delivery of our strategic objectives.

Matt Newman - Chief Executive Officer

Our purpose:Inspiring participation, performance and excellence; running, jumping, throwing … achieving!



GovernanceSince the incorporation of the organisation at the AGM in October 2007, a working party has been reviewing the governance structure within the organisation with a view to improving the overall efficiency and accountability of the various groups. I am sure that you will all recognise the need to install an efficient structure and support the amendments at this year’s AGM. The sign-off of this structure will ensure that all efforts are directed into improving the state of athletics in Wales. I would also like to praise the Welsh Schools Athletic Association for establishing a close working relationship with Welsh Athletics and for their efforts in developing structures which give opportunities to all school-age children in Wales.

Trinity & the WebsiteThe move towards a more efficient use of our resources inevitably means the appropriate use of IT systems. The Welsh Athletics website is a key resource and will be reviewed to ensure it provides the information you require over the coming years. 2009 will also see us implement the Trinity contact management system. This web-based system will initially assist clubs with the registration of athletes and will eventually provide a central database to support competition entry, coach and officials education and communication with the athletics community in Wales.

Media & PR SupportOver the past year, media and PR support has been provided by the SCW and we thank Jane Williams and her team for their efforts.

However, the Board has now identified that this area requires in-house ownership and we will look to support press and media coverage with an appointment in the near future.

Annual Awards DinnerThose of you who attended the 2nd Annual Awards and Hall of Fame Dinner at the Vale of Glamorgan Resort and Spa on 19th September will have enjoyed a fantastic evening. A full list of winners is shown towards the end of this publication. Special thanks go to the organising committee for a supreme effort. The team of Carol Anthony, Karlijn Asveld, Mike Delaney, Clive Williams and Steve Brace worked continually throughout the year to ensure the event went smoothly. Particular thanks go to Clive Williams,

who also took time to publish a celebration booklet commemorating the 50th anniversary of the British Empire & Commonwealth

Games in Cardiff. Athletes from the 1958 Games were honoured at the dinner.

Athletics Development CentresRecently, three ADC’s have been unveiled in Cardiff, Deeside and Swansea and will form the hub of regional activity for the development of coaches and athletes. The ADC’s will provide an athletics curriculum based on the run/jump/throw model and will provide a dedicated environment for coach education and development. The ADC’s will be supported by a National Coaching Team who will be tasked with the education and mentoring of coaches in the regions.

Commonwealth Games 2010Over the winter months some excellent work has been done establishing international selection standards for track & field. This work has now been extended to set realistic targets for Commonwealth Games athletes for the 2010 games in New Delhi. These standards have been submitted to the Commonwealth Games Council for Wales and will be published in the near future.

Financial SummaryThe end-of-year accounts to March 2008 have been distributed to members for AGM approval. The accounts show an income of £904,410 against expenditure of £789,020. Although a 35% increase in income over the 2006/7 figure of £666,251 is a healthy indicator, the additional income is largely due to increased SCW investment (£517,074) and the transfer of reserves from AAW (£56,976).

Within the surplus, funds are ring-fenced for the Commonwealth Games in 2010, coach education and the joint initiative with the Welsh Schools Athletic Association. Regular financial updates are provided to our Board and the General Council will also receive a summary of our financial performance on a quarterly basis in the future.

The key to our financial health is continuing to work with our major funding partners, SCW & UKA, while at the same time, actively campaigning for additional sponsorship and improving the revenue streams generated by our events programme.

Despite the difficult financial climate, it is expected that a number of additional sponsorship contracts can be secured ahead of the 2012 games. These will add to the excellent support provided by Brecon Carreg, S4C, Run & Become, Black Sheep and the numerous other companies who assist Welsh Athletics with the provision of support and services.

The Story of the VIth British Empire

& Commonwealth Games

An Ath

letics

Perspecti

ve

CLIVE WILLIAMSWelsh Athletics is proud to publish this book.

Autographs

design: www.blacksheep.info

The Story of the VIth British Em

pire & Com

monw

ealth Gam

esCLIVE W

ILLIAMS

An Athletics Perspective

6008 WA 1958 Games Bk_COVER.indd1 1 17/9/08 09:37:46

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r:171 g:171 b:173

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Cardiff International Sports Stadium




Track & FieldThis report is written on behalf of the members of the Track and Field committee and is a result of contributions from team leaders and chief officials whose reports from leagues, fixtures, championships and the competition review have enabled me to compile the track and field element of the Welsh Athletics Limited Annual Report. I offer my sincere thanks to all contributors.

I would like to express my personal indebtedness to Brenda Currie who has once again contributed an invaluable service; acting as minute’s secretary to both the Track and Field and Selection committees.

I would also like to extend my gratitude to members of the Track and Field Committee for their attendance at meetings and competitions this year. The Track and Field committee would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our Olympians

and Paralympians on their selection for this year’s Olympics and Paralympics. Both Christian Malcolm and Philippa Roles were successful youngsters and competed for their respective clubs in a number of grass root events, before gaining their first Welsh vests at the Celtic Games, then progressing through to full Welsh and British International honours.

Many of the youngsters who have competed this year have the potential to follow in the footsteps of both Christian and Philippa if they are given appropriate coaching and support. We must ensure we identify and nurture our talented athletes thus ensuring that they do indeed reach their full potential.

A number of our athletes have achieved outstanding results in a range of ‘Track and Field’ meetings from grass roots through to the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Once again the majority of athletes; no matter what the level of

competition; have proved that the support offered to them has been appreciated and worthwhile.

Track & Field Events The year started with indoor open meetings followed by the Indoor Championships, Inter City Challenge and indoor Celtic Cup.

The semi finals of the Inter City Challenge were held in Cardiff this year. Thanks to the commitment of the team we were able to compete in all events. This resulted in qualification for the final, which was again held in Sheffield.

Although a few personal bests were achieved by our athletes’ home advantage once again proved to be the deciding factor as Sheffield were champions for the third year running.

The indoor International was renamed the Indoor Celtic Cup this year. The International was contested by Under 20 and Senior Welsh teams as well as

visiting teams from Ireland, Scotland, England and UWIC. An indoor U16 Schools International was also held. A number of personal bests were achieved by Welsh athletes and the day finished with England winning the U20 match and Scotland retaining the senior match. In order to further improve the event we need to persuade sponsors to come on board so that we can encourage even more quality athletes to participate in what has become an important, established fixture in the UK athletics calendar.

This year the outdoor ‘Age Group’ Championships were held on separate weekends. The Senior Championships and U13 and U15 Championships were held on the same weekend in Swansea; and the U17 and U20 Championships were held in Deeside. On behalf of Welsh Athletics I would like to express our thanks to Swansea City Council and Swansea University as well as Deeside College for their support; both financial and

in kind; with the organisation of the Championships. Once again a number of athletes achieved personal bests and improved their positions on the ‘Power of 10’ rankings. I would also like to thank members of Swansea Harriers and Deeside Athletic Club for their help with ancillary duties at both Championships as well as all officials who give up so much of their free time to ensure our events are efficiently and effectively run.

The Combined Events Championships were held in Carmarthen. This event was a combination of Welsh Athletics and Welsh Schools Championships for Combined Events. Our thanks are expressed to the organisers and Carmarthen Harriers and Carmarthen Council for supporting this event.

Peter Stafford; Welsh Athletics Competition Manager; and Karlijn Asveld; Welsh Athletics Office Manager; kindly organised a meal after the Inter-regional Championships in Brecon

Joyce Tomala - Track & Field Committee Secretary


for all officials who have supported events in Wales this year. The meal was very much appreciated by the officials and on their behalf I would like to thank both Peter and Karlijn for their kind gesture.

May I take this opportunity to congratulate Carmarthen Harriers; the winners of The Welsh Junior League; and Cwmbran Harriers; the winners of the Welsh Senior League this year. The winners of the Senior League will compete against teams from both the Irish and Scottish Leagues in the inaugural Celtic Clubs Cup; which will be held in April 2009.

Outdoor fixtures attended this year included internationals and representative fixtures in Loughborough, Derby and Grangemouth. Congratulations are extended to all athletes gaining Welsh selection this year as well as those achieving GB selection. It has been a pleasure to be associated with athletes who; in the vast majority; have demonstrated exemplar behaviour and mature attitudes both on and off the track. Once again we can be justifiably proud of our athletes who are not only a credit to Wales but also to their clubs, parents and coaches.

The first fixture of the season saw our senior team competing in Loughborough. Carys Parry achieved yet another Welsh record in the women’s hammer. Philippa Roles gained the Olympic qualifying distance in the discus and personal best performances were set by 6 athletes.

The senior team travelled to Grangemouth for the third Celtic Cup. The team performed to the best of their ability and enjoyed the experience of competing in a short, tightly scheduled, upbeat, fast and exciting programme. The outstanding performance from our team came from Joe Thomas who beat Andy Baddeley in an exciting 800M.

I am delighted to report that a very strong team travelled to Grangemouth, Scotland for this year’s Celtic Games. The team performed exceptionally well, with Wales winning the overall Celtic Games trophy for the first time ever as well as the U16 Girls and overall female trophies.

The team included thirty new vests. With a total of seventeen new comers in the U16 age group. Nineteen athletes set personal best performances with twenty one athletes gaining first place; an outstanding achievement for which we congratulate all our youngsters.

Sara Otung narrowly missed out on first place in the 75mh, however she was given the same time as the athlete in first place thus breaking the previous Celtic Games record. Another Celtic Games record was broken in the 80mh by new comer Rhys Williams, sadly this time was wind assisted; however I’m pleased to report that Rhys later broke the Welsh record for the U15 age group in the Inter-regional Championships.

The final team scores can be seen in the table below.

Wales Athletics Ireland Ulster ScotlandAge Group Points Points Points Points

U16 Girls 38 32 20 30U18 Women 56 61 36 50Females 94 93 56 80U16 Boys 30 33 31 24U18 Men 56 47 38 64Males 86 80 69 88Overall 180 173 125 168

The Derby match this year included teams from Scotland, Northern Ireland, Malta and the three competition regions of England. Selection for the match was based on an under twenty team only; a change of policy to previous years when both U23 and U20 teams have been selected. Despite not fielding a full team the majority of athletes performed well which resulted with Wales finishing in a credible 5th place. Notable performances included first paces for David Westbury and Andrew Donno [3000m Steeple Chase], Brett Morse [Discus] and Glyn Hawkes [400m]. David Westbury and Hannah Pendlebury recorded personal bests on the day.

On behalf of the athletes; who appreciate the support and guidance they receive; I would like to thank everyone involved with Welsh teams for their dedication and hard work once again this year:* Team Managers Jan Nugent, Peter Walton, Sue Sayer,

Martin Bell, Dave Hawthorn, Audrey Bright, Peter Stafford and Darran Williams.

* Our statisticians, Marian Williams, Cathy Terrell, Darran Williams and Iain Morgan

* Ken Bennett for maintaining the Track and Field Records once again this year

* Event coaches and Sports Massage Therapists* Welsh Athletics Office Staff * Welsh Athletics Performance Staff

International Selection StandardsAs a result of the adoption of selection guidelines for events this year we did not field full teams at any of the fixtures attended. Evaluation of this process forms an integral part of the overall Track and Field competition review and will be fully debated during our annual de-brief meeting. The debate is whether we take full teams to fixtures or only take athletes who have reached the guidelines set, the latter has resulted in extremely depleted teams in some incidences this year. This is an important issue which has to be widely debated before a final decision is made. If the principal of

utilising selection guidelines is agreed by member clubs, Regional Councils, General Council and The Board of Directors of Welsh Athletics Limited; The Track and Field Selection Policy, selection criteria and a comprehensive list of selection guidelines will be published and distributed; in both electronic and paper formats; to as wide an audience as possible.

Last year I stated that “we must make sure that we work with athlete’s personal coaches as well as performance and development members of staff to ensure athletes are encouraged to plan for and take up the opportunities provided for them at international level”. I cannot stress how important this relationship is, we must endeavour to meet the needs of our developing athletes and potential Commonwealth Games Athletes as well as our elite athletes and we can only do this if we work together as a unified team.

Competition ReviewAs a result of working groups set up by the Track and Field Committee a comprehensive competition review document has been produced. The document outlines the results, conclusions drawn and recommendations for the future of each of the groups listed below. The proposals; contained within the document are intended to evoke healthy discussion, which will lead to a consensus of opinion on the way forward for Track and Field competition in Wales

The groups focused on the following aspects of Track and Field competition:1. Competition Period 1:

October- March {indoor season}

2. Leagues3. Event Specific Competition4. Combined Events5. Statistics 6. Competition Period 2:

April- September {outdoor season}

7. International Competition

When evaluating the competitions the groups

considered the following points:- Value of the competition

to athletes performance regardless of age, gender, or ability

- Appropriateness of competitions for age groups currently catered for

- Calendar of events- Health and Safety issues- Availability of officials - Value for money- Alternative competitions

The opportunity for everyone to contribute to the ‘Track and Field Competition Review’ will be realised through a series of road shows around the regions of Wales. Key Stakeholder’s views and support are therefore essential if we are to provide vibrant, dynamic competition for our athletes that will enable them to achieve their true potential irrespective of age, gender, race or ability/level of competition.

Change is upon us and we need to act decisively if we are to ensure the changes we embrace fully benefit our sport.

We have a duty of care to our athletes to provide appropriately challenging competition for them. We have to ensure that we make the most of the major competitions held on British soil within the next six years. In order to do this we must build on the foundations laid and make sure that we have a lasting legacy for future generations of athletes.

We also have a duty of care to our diminishing band of volunteers and Staff Team. We have to ensure all key stakeholders feel valued and respected and are given appropriate opportunities to offer their contributions; often worthwhile and meaningful; to our sport.

On behalf of the Track and Field Committee I would like to thank you all for your ceaseless efforts.

John Collins - Cross Country Committee Secretary

Cross CountryAnother difficult year with only a small group forming the committee and management, however, we were delighted to welcome some newcomers.

As our first event we again sent an Under 17 development squad to the UK challenge meeting in Liverpool. In a high class competition Dewi Griffiths was second in a three way sprint finish giving an indication of his return from illness and presaging things to come. The girl’s race was with the UK Under 20 European trial which meant a tough learning experience for those taking part.

The Welsh Inter-regional and Masters championships returned to Llandaff fields, Cardiff in early December. Previous rain meant sections of the course were water logged or extremely muddy, but conditions were not as extreme as the previous season.

Early in the New Year came international matches in Belfast and Edinburgh. The latter incorporated the

Celtic International match and was used by the hosts as an organisational trial for the world championships. With Under 20s and Under 23s in races which both included world champions, competition was of the highest level. The Under 15 girls were not over-awed and gave us an excellent start and only failed to win their competition by one point.

The Cardiff Cross challenge was again superbly organized by Graham Finlayson. The programme included an Inter-area match plus a full range of races for younger athletes including schools competitors. Our men’s team won their match whilst the women’s race individual winner was former GB international Andrea Witcombe, now resident in Swansea.

Early February, saw two British championships held. Swansea hosted the British Universities championship in Singleton park and Torfaen the British Police event in Pontypool park. In both cases there were compliments on the

organization and facilities although some competitors found the courses rather tough. An interesting feature at Swansea was the BUSA Cyclo-cross championship held the following day using the facilities already prepared at the venue. A Welsh Universities championship was computed from the cross country results as a step towards resurrecting a full championship.

The Welsh championships returned to Singleton park in February. Whilst numbers were disappointing there was a series of excellent races and several new names gained titles. Cardiff AAC had the first three senior men home but the home club won both senior team titles and the Laurentian Life shield (overall champions).

A new venture was the President’s Cup under 20 competition in Dublin . Welsh Athletics and Welsh Schools both sent teams. Strong Irish squads dominated but Adam Bitchell (Welsh Schools) won a narrow but decisive

individual victory. The season closed with the first Home Countries International for many years in Edinburgh and as a prelude to the world championships the following day. Teams of juniors and seniors ran together in small elite fields with some of the latter inevitably struggling. Even so both groups gained bronze medals.The following day the whole party watched the world event and supported Dewi Griffiths. He fully justified his GB selection gaining a team medal – a fine end to the season!

Looking forward there are several challenges facing us. Firstly, we need to increase numbers and improve retention amongst younger age groups. As indicated in the report there are some promising youngsters whose talents need to be nurtured. Whilst overall league participation appears satisfactory a close examination reveals that it is the ever increasing proportion of veterans (masters) which is compensating for a decrease at lower ages. It is the latter

who represent the future of our sport at competitive levels. In the short term we need to encourage more of the league participants to contest championships. As one who has promoted leagues as a means of providing meaningful competition I now concede that they have become an end in themselves. They have lessened the attraction of championships, the progression of which at ever higher levels through the season, culminating in the world event was a significant feature in success in our sport. There is also, of course, a much greater choice of sports from which to choose and with whom we compete for participants.

Our current competition review is seeking to meet the challenges. Cross country as part of endurance running is fortunate in that there does not need to be a divide between recreational and competitive running. The task is to encourage the transition from the former to the latter and to promote progressively higher levels of performance and achievement.



Paul Brooks - Road Running Committee Secretary

Road Running

Wales has had another very busy year on the roads in the year since the last A.G.M.

Welsh Championships We held the following championships:

�km: The event was again held within the E.C.H.O. Ap Cymru race in Bute Park, Cardiff, and was won by Stephen Davies (Newport) in 13:59. The ladies event was won by Amanda Pritchard (Cardiff) in 16:29. The event also included under 23 international against teams from Scotland and England, which we hope to make an annual event. Thanks to Graham Finlayson for all his work. 10km: The event was held within the Caernarfon event and was won by Michael Johnson (Cardiff) in 31:02, which was a new course record. The women’s event was won by Marilyn Kitching (Tattenhall) in 39:24. The event also included the Welsh Inter Region championships, which were won in the senior men’s category by North Wales;

a single point ahead of West, with East third. Thanks to Arwel Lewis for his work. 10 Miles: The event was held within the Teifi race, and was won by Richard Gardiner (Cardiff) in 51:47 with Ann Thomas (Trots) retaining her title in 62:40. Thanks to Wendy Davies for all her help. Half-Marathon: This event was not held this year, but it is hoped to return the championships to the calendar in 2009. Marathon: The senior event was held within the London race, with Richard Gardiner (Cardiff) in 2:20:28 and Clare Martin (Newport) in 2:51:08, taking the titles. The masters’ event was held within the Menter Mon event in Anglesey with the men’s winner the subject of an appeal at the time of writing and Carol Moseley (Port Talbot) in 3:51:52, the first to finish in the championships. Thanks to all at Menter Mon and Ann Lewis and her team for their help.

Inter Area Matches: We attended matches in Chichester, Alsager, Leeds, and Manchester and held our home fixture in Swansea. We have again taken opportunities throughout the year to give debuts to several young athletes, which bodes well for the future. We also sent teams to the Marakesh half marathon, to the Great Wales run, in which entries were given to over 30 Welsh athletes and to the Great South run in Portsmouth. Ultra Distance Running: Wales hosted the Anglo-Celtic plate 100k event in Cardiff, with John Pares (Buckley) first Welsh finisher in 7:50:07, 49 minutes faster than in the same event last year. Thanks to team managers Derek Williams and Mel James. Road Running Committee: The committee has met 6 times since the last A.G.M. and thanks for their regular attendance to: Jacqueline Brace, Mel James, Gareth

Hughes, Arwel Lewis, Eric Bailey, Derek Williams and Alex Donald. Gareth Hughes has recently resigned due to pressure of work and we thank him for his insights and contribution. We have yet to decide the venues for the Welsh road running championships in 2009, the closing date for applications being the 30th September and we meet next in November. We are also sending teams to the Morlaix 10km in October. This event is also the French national championship fixture. Miscellaneous: * We finalised and circulated

a comprehensive document giving the details of criteria for the awarding of championships and guidelines for championship organisers and are in the process of producing a competition review.

* We remind event organisers of the requirement for officials in Wales that a minimum grade 3 for Regional

championships and open road events and a minimum grade 5 for National championship events is a stipulation in the appointment of race referees in Wales. Other officials at National championships should also be of the highest grade available i.e. timekeepers, starters, recorders, results compilers.

* Alex Donald compiled a

Welsh road running bests (records) lists which is available on the Welsh Athletics website and he continues to compile the Welsh road rankings lists.

Finally, I would like to thank Jacqueline Brace yet again for her tireless work and support, both as national women’s team manager and office liaison. Also Steve Brace for his continued commitment to road running and all those race organisers and officials who continue to support our sport.

Mountain Running

THE END OF AN ERA: After being one of the pioneering countries who set up and competed in the World Trophy in 1985, and every year since, following the World Mountain Running Council Congress Meeting at Sierre Switzerland on Saturday September 13th, the proposal was passed for the World trophy to receive championship recognition by the IAAF from 2009 onwards, with one stipulation, under IAAF rules of competition, England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales must compete as one country, Great Britain & N.I. Though, as a consolation we will still be able to compete in non-championship competitions. Next year Wales will be able to select two teams of six men/women for the 1st Commonwealth MR Championships Up hill only and the up & downhill races at Keswick, plus; teams of five men three women for the World Long Distance Challenge in Austria.

INTERNATIONAL EVENTSWORLD TROPHY 200�: Crans-Montana Sierre, Switzerland. 14/09/2008. Up hill only. Our last appearance in the event. There were some encouraging performances

from the Welsh juniors, both the Junior Women and junior men’s teams finished 7th, while our senior women were placed 15th and the senior men 19th. The main individual highlights were: Gina Paletta (Deeside AC) 5th in the junior women’s race and Dewi Griffiths (Carmarthen H) 7th in the junior men’s race, while Tim Davies (Mercia) was again, as he has been for several years now, the first senior Welshman to finish.

KNOCK DHU: 2�/0�/200�. The Celtic International Mountain Running Championships in Larne Northern Ireland proved to be a very enjoyable and successful event, the main successes were: Senior Men: 3rd Richard Roberts (Eryri H), team 2nd. Senior female: 2nd Anna Bartlett (Shrewsbury AC) (missing out on gold by 2 seconds). Team 2nd. Junior Women: 2nd Alaw Beynon-Thomas (Carmarthen H). 3rd Carys Davies (Sarn Helen). Team 1st. Junior Male: 3rd Ricky Challinor (Deeside AC). Team 2nd.

WMRA YOUTH TEAM CHALLENgE: Susa, Italy. 22/06/2008. An excellent event for developing our juniors into international

running in a warm climate. Best performers were: Female U16. 6th Aneura Phillips (Carmarthen H). Team 3rd. Male U16. 7th Michael Kallenberg (Ingli). Team 6th. While in the development races Female U14 Sara Livett (Menai T&F) finished 4th. Male U14 Calum Muskett (Menai T&F) 13th. Overall a good learning experience for our young athletes.

SNOWDON INTERNATIONAL RACE: The race will be remembered mainly because of the weather, very hot and humid which affected most of the athletes. The 1st Welsh male finisher was Richard Roberts (Eryri H) in 15th place with a time of 75:18 (5th quickest on the downhill). Best placed Welsh female finisher was Sarah Ridgway (Eryri H) in 72nd place overall 8th female in 78:44 (3rd on the downhill).

WELSH CHAMPIONSHIP 200�: Best of three from four races: Moel Wnion/Ras y Moelwyns/Moel Eilio/Black Mountains.1st Senior Male: Richard Roberts (Eryri H).1st Senior Woman: Andrea Roberts (Eryri H).1st Male Vet: Steve Gilliland (Bro Dysynni).

1st Female Vet: Ellie Salisbury (Eryri H).

FRA BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP 200�: Eryri’s ladies made a bold effort to retain their title, but had to make do with 3rd place this time, still a good effort.

INTER REgIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS: Moel Eilio 17/05/2008. Disappointedly, only the North had full Senior Male/Female teams for the event.SUMMARY: Mountain Running is proving to be very popular lately, with race numbers up, and quite a few events entries full. The World Trophy trial race held in conjunction with England at Llanberis was very successful and beneficial for both countries with a good turnout of quality athletes. The Junior North Wales Mountain Running Championships held on the Great Orme Llandudno on 13/09/2008 was again well attended, and a good introduction to mountain running for school children.

FUTURE EVENTS: 27/06/2009 WMRA Youth Challenge (Races for 16-17 year olds) Ostheim vor der Rhoen Germany. 17th -20th September 2009 1st

Commonwealth Mountain Running Championships Keswick. 10/10/2008 6th WMRA Long Distance Mountain Running Challenge, Soll (Tyrol) Austria.

THE WAY FORWARD: Following the World Trophy decision to revert to a championship status, as what happened to cross country in the 1980’s, we can now get on with our performance review, which has been in a state of limbo while we awaited the outcome of the Worlds. All the respective team managers from England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales will be meeting at the Junior Home International event in Bonaly nr Edinburgh on Saturday/Sunday 11th/12th October 2008 to work in partnership and plan the way forward for mountain running to avoid what happened to cross country when the strength in depth diminished markedly in all four home countries, we are determined to avoid this happening to mountain running.

FINALLY: I would like to thank everyone for their support and assistance throughout what has been a very busy and enjoyable year.

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Arwel Lewis - Mountain Running Committee SecretaryWelsh Athletics www.welshathletics.org

11 Welsh Athletics www.welshathletics.org

Coach Education and the Planning Towards UKCC

The imminent adoption of the United Kingdom Coaching Certificate (UKCC), has inevitably meant that during 2008 the last of many U.K. Athletics level 1 and level 2 courses took place across Wales. These were, for the most part, attended by prospective club coaches, the numbers on these courses were:

Level 1 1��Level 2 ��Leaders (FIRW CIA) ��

In a close working relationship with the Federation of Disabled Sport in Wales (FDSW), Welsh Athletics was instrumental in putting on a number of Children in Athletics (CIA) leaders courses. FDSW now has an active club for athletes with disability in all 22 unitary authorities. The other leaders’ course, Fitness in Running and Walking (FIRW), was also successfully used across Wales to help the Road running community.

The forward planning for the UKCC is, in part, a reflection of the completion of UKA courses and it is perhaps important for coaches to know that their current UKA qualification will be supported for many years to come, provided that the CRB requirement is maintained.

Since the adoption of UKCC, Welsh Athletics has been instructed not to initiate new courses so we have been in the process of running down our current commitment, which should be complete during December 2008.

For existing coaches, particularly at levels 2 and 3, where there may be incomplete portfolios, there will be optional module courses and assessment opportunities in the regions throughout 2009. For coaches looking to complete level 3 UK Athletics has made 2009 available and potential attendees of such courses will need to look at the course coverage offered both in Wales and across the UK by reference to www.ukathletics.org.uk.

For the UK governing body a number of issues are currently in process and these are:

* Centre accreditation; to ensure that the courses, when completed, are of the standards required by ASQ.

* The re-training of existing tutors* Training of assessors and verifiers

Whilst some administration issues remain, there is every reason to hope that the course structure will be what coaches want and that there is reason to believe that the standards of club coaching in Wales will be maintained and improved.

What is clear in the new structure is that a lot more influence in the development of the individual coach will be club centred. The need for supported practice and reflective logbooks to take place in the coaching environment will ensure positive experiences for new coaches and those moving through to higher levels.

Teacher educationUK Athletics has supplied all schools in Wales with a resource to help teachers to help teach athletics in both the Primary and Secondary sectors. This resource is likely to have a long term effect and improve the entry standards achieved by young club members.

Officials EducationAfter a reorganisation of both course and levels, the 9 English regions and the Celtic nations became responsible for level 1 and level 2 courses. UKA will remain responsible for courses held at level 3 and above.

The course at level 1 is an introduction to officiating and is an electronically based resource.

The course at level 2 has a generic component but is offered as a specialist course for:

* Field Judge* Track Judge* Starters and marksmen* Timekeeping

A number of courses have run, normally initiated by regional secretaries and a reasonable number of new officials have been welcomed into the sport. During 2009 it is planned to have a national timetable of courses and a compilation of the regionally initiated courses on the website, together with a document developed form the electronic resource to help both clubs and schools become familiar with the content of the level 1 course.

Paul Jensen - Education Manager

While the last 12 months have seen a number of changes take place in Welsh Athletics, the one thing that remains constant is championship competition.

In this report I will not comment on specific competition as the previous reports from each of the committees will do that, rather I will focus on the main issues that have faced competitions over the last year.

Following on from the Bucker report on competition undertaken at a UK level, the proposed changes to the age groups

for competition were not adopted. This was seen as an opportunity for each of the home countries to review their own status of competition and the needs of athletes and develop plans for the future.

The competition review is underway and is split between track & field review and an endurance review, the outcome of these reviews is to develop a better and more appropriate

pathway of competition for athletes and the different needs of developing athletes through the transition to the senior levels.

Throughout October, road shows are being conducted to present the findings of the review groups to the clubs prior to any changes being implemented for 2009.

Welsh Championship fixtures have continued to grow in participation over the past 12 months and the policy of allowing non-Welsh athletes to compete in ‘open championships’ in track and field has proved beneficial in boosting numbers and

standards of performance. Standards of performance have been analysed in detail over the last year, specifically within track & field, as the issue of international selection and the “value of the Welsh vest” has been debated.

An international selection group was created to look at performance guidelines and the Welsh international matches for the summer of 2008. Standards have been created by members of this group that represent the standard needed to be competitive at international matches from each of the age groups from U16 & U18

(the Celtic games) through to senior (Loughborough and European opportunities). Although contentious, as this policy meant that full teams were not taken to some matches, it has boosted performance levels and this was clearly demonstrated at a younger level, where Wales were victorious in the Celtic Games for the first time in its history.

Following on from this, there will be performance standards created for the other disciplines through the relevant committees.

Competitions

12

Peter Stafford - Competitions ManagerWelsh Athletics www.welshathletics.org

1� Welsh Athletics www.welshathletics.org

The aim is not to restrict competition opportunities, it is attempting to raise performance levels and restore pride and value into the Welsh vest.

Looking forward to 2009, it is an exciting year for Welsh Athletics as we have the privilege of hosting the three major competitions for the Celtic nations; - The Celtic cross country

that will take place in January as part of the Cardiff Cross Country. This will also feature a senior home countries international,

- The indoor Celtic cup, that follows on from last year’s success where the schools international was included,

- The U16 & U18 Celtic games, with a new format for 2009 that will be hosted in Carmarthen in august.

As well as these competitions, 2009 will feature the inaugural Celtic Clubs Cup match which has been designed to provide an incentive to clubs following league competition. It is an opportunity for the top 2 male and female clubs in the senior league to compete against their counterparts from

Ireland and Scotland. This will take place at the start of the track and field season.

In addition, we will host the home countries cross country incorporating the schools international and Celtic universities match in Vaenol Park in March of 2009. As well as international competition, structures are being put in place for championships to once again raise the profile of these events and see participation increase and our top Welsh stars competing.

With the completion of the Cardiff International Sports Stadium, negotiations are under way to bring a major track & field event (following on from the great Wales run and the established Cardiff cross country in recent years) to Cardiff in the near future, and with the 2010 commonwealth games on the horizon, the opportunity to bring more world class competition back to Wales provides an excellent platform for continued Welsh success.


Steve Brace - Head of Athletics Development

Regional Athletics CouncilsThe governance of athletics at a local level is undertaken by our four Regional Athletics Councils (RAC’s), in the North, South, East and West. Each committee is represented at both Regional and General Councils, to enable a flow of reporting and information from the central organisation to cascade to the grassroots. This provides an opportunity to debate and be part of decision making process for the sport of athletics in Wales.

WelfareIn January 2005 the Welfare Policy and Procedures manual was produced, circulated and personalised to each Home Country, the contents remain generic to all. Prior to this date the Home Countries of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, assisted by the Child Protection in Sport Unit of the NSPCC, embarked upon the process of compiling a child protection policy. An early decision was made to embrace the concept of a welfare policy for all persons involved in athletics, which would then incorporate our child protection policies and procedures.

FDSW inclusionWith the phenomenal success of disabled athletes at Welsh, British and World level, FDSW (Federation of Disability Sport Wales) has launched an ambitious project to establish 22 disability athletics clubs, one for each unitary authority. Supported by disability sports officers, many clubs are now established at our key athletics facilities, and partnerships formed with the able-bodied clubs.

Higher level coaching in Wales is increasingly integrated, and disability events have been a feature of the National Outdoor Championships for many years. In addition, links with Special Needs groups has increased recently with pilot events, at regional and national level.

VolunteersAthletics could not exist without those who work tirelessly to enable the sport to be delivered. Volunteers act as coaches, officials, administrators or helpers within the clubs. Volunteers administer the sport at local, regional and national level.

In today’s challenging volunteering environment, it is essential that we further develop strategies and supporting action plans to ensure that we provide the necessary training, recognition and rewards for all our volunteers, helping to guarantee continued enjoyment and success within athletics. Support for volunteers will be a key objective within the 2009-2013 strategic plan.

As we move ever closer to the London Olympics in 2012 and the Glasgow Commonwealth Games of 2014, it is essential that local representative needs are considered. Local teams must contribute to the success and development of our sport.

Effective communication and identifying local needs are the key ingredients to energise and invigorate athletics. The resulting activities will inspire participants in the school and club structures.

Coaching and officiating requirements should be delivered economically, and with the minimum of travel time.

Welsh Athletics is working with the RAC’s to establish a regional plan which is relevant to the specific needs of each region.

The manual has been circulated to each Welsh Athletics club, and supporting “Safeguarding and Protecting” courses offered free to each of the clubs Welfare Officers. In addition we are now inviting coaches (level 2 and above) to attend.The aim was to provide clear and easy to follow guidance on what to do in different circumstances. The procedures clarify the roles and responsibilities of individuals and lines of communication.

UK Athletics has undertaken to complete Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) checks on behalf of athletics clubs who wish to vet any member who works or seeks to work with children and young people in any capacity. It is a requirement for all coaches, officials and in future, all volunteers to have been checked to operate in the sport in Wales and the UK.

With the 3 year renewal of CRB approaching for many and the prospect of Independent Standards Authority (ISO) checks in the future, it is essential that we continue to provide and promote athletics as a safe environment.

Equity & EqualityWelsh Athletics is committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity within our sport. To that end, we continue to promote equality and fairness for all, and not to discriminate on grounds of gender, marital status, ethnic origin, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age, social background and political belief. Consequently we are measured against standards, which can affect the funding to our sport.


The increase in registered members of Welsh Athletics has not been achieved through the formation of new clubs, rather the consolidation of membership at a number of clubs with strong development programmes.

However, there is indication of a number of new road running clubs being established in the near future.

The core number of clubs offering track & field has remained static, with many positives at junior league and championship competitions. Again, there are concerns

Welsh SchoolsCloser links with the Welsh Schools Athletic Association have been achieved both at officer and competition programme level over the past twelve months.Partnership championships and fixtures have been successful, both at indoor and outdoor competition, especially the reintroduction of a Schools Indoor International.

Regular meetings have enabled both organisations to understand the challenges facing our sport in delivering and developing athletics across the principality. We look forward to continuing the close working relationship and strengthening the delivery of athletics for school-age children in Wales.

OfficialsWelsh Athletics is currently reviewing the support for our officials, both in identifying training requirements and by looking at the deployment of officials at all levels of competition within the sport. This area requires the support of all at club, regional and national level and has been identified as a focus area within the 2009-10 operational plan.

Endurance officials are also being targeted, as many operate in the sport, but do not appear in our official listings.

Facilities – (As at Sept 2008)Athletics facilities in Wales have recently been boosted with the opening of the new athletics stadium in Cardiff (CISS – Cardiff international Sports Stadium).

Although not officially opening until 2009, it offers an opportunity for the sport of athletics to rebrand itself in Wales’ capital city.

With 17 certificated outdoor facilities, giving a good spread across the 22 unitary authorities, and 3 indoor facilities at Cardiff, Swansea and Deeside offering North, West and East Wales coverage.

The facilities team, working closely with the facility owners, endeavour to keep all to the highest standard, and currently only 2 facilities fall short of full specification with the need of upgrading the hammer cages to current IAAF criteria.

A new stadium at Llanelli is nearing completion, and there are early discussions for facilities in Ceredigion and Caerphilly.

Track Lanes Certificate Class Renewal DateAberdare 8 1 31/03/10Deeside 8 1 02/08/12Newtown 6 5 31/07/11Bangor 8 1 31/05/12Carmarthen 6 5 31/05/12Newport 8 1 31/12/08Wrexham 8 1 30/04/12Cwmbran 8 5 30/04/10Swansea 8 1 30/04/11Colwyn Bay 8 5 30/09/08Neath 6 5 28/02/10Barry 6 2 31/03/08Haverfordwest 6 5 31/05/10Brecon 8 1 30/06/12Llangefni 4 6 30/04/13Bridgend 4 6 30/06/09Cardiff 8 None

IndoorUWIC 4 Yes 31/12/09Deeside 6 Yes 31/12/09Swansea 6 Yes 30/11/11

Class 1 - Meets the specification and requirements for all competition under UKA rules including Women’s steeplechase, having adjustable barriers.

Class 2 - Meets the specification and requirements for all competition under UKA rules excluding Women’s steeplechase, not having adjustable barriers.

Class 3 - Meets the specification and requirements for all competition under UKA rules including Women’s steeplechase, having adjustable barriers. Not having a valid survey, performances are not acceptable for record purposes.

Class 4 - Meets the specification and requirements for all competition under UKA rules excluding Women’s steeplechase, not having adjustable barriers. Not having a valid survey, performances are not acceptable for record purposes.

Class 5 - Restricted certificate

Class 6 - Non standard tracks

Clubs, Coaching and Competition – the 3 C’swith falling numbers and the quality of performances at under 20 and senior level.

This trend is not unique to Wales and the current competition review is attempting to address these challenges. The endurance disciplines of road running, mountain running and cross country are similarly attempting to reverse the downward trend with initiatives and opportunities for athletes.

A focus for the sport is to attract new coaches and further up-skill the current coaches in the club, regional and national structures.

The proposed new UK Coaching Certificate programme, which will be rolled-out in Wales in April 2009, will offer a far more robust qualification. Offering the coach a better overall knowledge in athletics, it will provide the opportunity to develop athletes to their full potential.

Coaches should be actively seeking out the development opportunities through the continuous personal development (CPD) offered by both ourselves and Sports Council for Wales (SCW).

Certification Classification

This year has seen a real mix of events in the development of athletics across Wales, as Welsh Athletics has adapted to the new opportunities presented through the UK Athletics reorganisation. Looking at this in a positive light, Welsh Athletics will now enjoy greater control of initiatives and developments which have previously been resourced centrally.

In the last 12 months there has been a great deal of good work that has taken place to improve not only the quantity but also the quality of grass roots athletics. Help and assistance is now more widely available and being utilised by both the club and school structures. More recently a series of regional club forums were held which gave the opportunity for clubs to attend, present questions and receive updates in relation to the most recent developments in the key areas of the sport.

Over the last year, support has been given to schools athletics in a number of areas and this

is one element which will become prominent for the development team looking forward. It is an area and a relationship that has the potential to thrive, the next 12 months should see a closer bond and stronger links with the school athletics structure for the benefit of both parties – clubs and schools.

There have been minor developments of existing initiatives including the Shine:Awards and the 30 40, 50 Club. Elevating:Athletics has recently been rewritten and re-issued to all schools in Wales (both Primary and Secondary) which should go some way to improving and enhancing the way the sport is delivered in schools both in curriculum and extra curricular time. Sportshall athletics has continued to grow and develop and in the last year far more children have been involved in an increasing number of events. We are hoping that in the next 12 months this initiative can be used not only to stimulate an interest in the sport but also be used as an exciting start to athletics

proper. Star:Track schemes have also developed to become more inclusive and accessible for potential newcomers to the sport. Development staff have linked with partners in local authorities to best utilise the resources available.

There are some exciting new initiatives on the horizon (in particular the ADC programme), which have the potential to improve, not only how the sport is delivered, but also increase the enjoyment, fun and satisfaction we all know athletics can provide young people.

Moving forward, the team of Development Officers have now been tasked with more specific and focussed work programmes, which relate to the key areas of development. These include both club development and schools development, as well as linking closely with coaching/coach education, initiatives, competition and other key areas. Communication will also be a big focal area and this, combined with the new Regional Club Coach Coordinator positions,

should allow for an increase in the level of service provided.

Regional Club Coach Coordinators will service clubs and club coaches through regular communications and auditing, assessing coaching requirements in an attempt to link the demand of education opportunities with supply. Within this role there will also be an Officials remit which will look to link to officials education requirements at both a regional and national level.

As far as the future of club development is concerned, we plan to intensify this focus to best resource and support clubs to be not only as good as they can be but to fulfil potential and plan for the future and achieve longevity.

After much anticipation we are now in a position where we have an athletics specific ‘Clubmark’ for the sport in Wales. Clubmark is a product that can be used effectively by clubs and a tool that will allow for progressive and structured

planning, giving clubs the best opportunity to develop and accommodate the changes that are occurring across the sport.

Clubmark will also offer the benefit of allowing clubs to access additional funding opportunities and access to a number of support resources including; templates, models, guides and example development planning tools.

For the development team; as we look forward to 2008/2009 we see exciting times ahead. This period will see many changes take place to not only the structure of the sport but the way the sport is delivered in both the school and club environments. Of course, much of the focus in the coming years will be on New Delhi in 2010 and London 2012, but it is also essential that we develop the right infrastructure to support the development of athletics in clubs and schools, this will ensure that potential can be achieved and there is a clear pathway from grassroots to performance.

Development Officers

Chris Moss - Development Manager1� Welsh Athletics www.welshathletics.org


The PDCE (Performance, Development, Coaching and Education) project represents the need for the four areas of Welsh Athletics to work together to increase performance at all levels in athletics by addressing the fundamental areas of coach and athlete development. It is an exciting and challenging project that highlights long term coach and athlete development as the priority.

The project’s primary objective is to enable athletes to reach their full athletics potential throughout their career, by focussing on the development of athletic foundations in the 11-15 age group. This is the age group identified as the most influential in terms of skill acquisition and learning. In order to achieve this, Welsh Athletics understands the huge role that the coach plays in the athlete-coach partnership and has released a programme that assists coaches in their development. Achieving the objectives of athlete and coach development will result in improved athletics performance levels from Clubs, through Regional, National and International levels of performance.

The PDCE project has harnessed these objectives putting in place three Athletics Development Centres (ADC’s) based out of the Indoor Athletics Centres in Wales: NIAC (Cardiff), WWIAC (Swansea) and NWIAC (Deeside). The aim of the ADC’s is to create a central hub of activity for the regions that address both athlete and coach development.

The ADC’s have a dual focus;

1. A fun weekly athletics programme at each ADC for 11 – 15 years based on a curriculum of athletics development that links into UK Athletics core competencies. The weekly sessions will be delivered by our new ADC Coaching teams who will be at hand to answer any questions to athletes, coaches and parents throughout the sessions.

2. A comprehensive coaching workshop programme that is based on the requests of the club coaches, delivered by members of the National Coaching Team into the region, for the benefit of the coaches, the clubs and the athletes.

The weekly athletics programme and regional coaching workshop programme will be coordinated by an ADC Coordinator who will be based at each ADC. They will be responsible for the efficient running of the weekly athletics programme, ensuring athletes, parents and coaches are welcomed into the new programme and also coordinating the coaching workshops in the region. The ADC Coordinators will work closely with the Regional staff who will be visiting all the clubs and speaking to the coaches about their coaching needs.

The benefits of the new Athletics Development Centre (ADC) programme include;

* Athletes develop fundamentals of athletics with a run, jump, and throw emphasis, out of club time, allowing club coaches to concentrate on event specific technical development.

* Coaches have the opportunity to increase their coaching skills and knowledge through a comprehensive coaching workshop programme delivered by our National Coaching Team.

* New athletes entering into the sport, increasing participation, club membership and potential to contribute to successful Welsh International teams.

The PDCE project

James Thomas - Talent Development Manager

Welsh Athletics clubs who offer club structure, competition and coaching opportunity for developing youngsters

Welsh Athletics clubs who offer junior track and field competition

Welsh Athletics affiliated clubs


ADC Coordinator

Each ADC has a Coordinator who is responsible for the efficient running of the weekly athletics programme, ensuring athletes, parents and coaches are welcomed into the new programme and also coordinating the coaching workshops in the region.

ADC Coaches

Each ADC has a number of coaches who are responsible for delivering the weekly athletics programme, ensuring it is a fun experience for all and the coaching delivers the key messages for athlete development. The coaches are also on hand to answer any questions from athletes, coaches and parents throughout the sessions.

Development Officer (DO)

Each region has an assigned DO who is responsible for working with clubs to ensure that the appropriate structures are in place to allow athletics to develop in Wales. The DO’s will also be working very closely with the schools offering the various athletics initiatives including the ADC programme.

Regional Club Coach Coordinators (RCCC)

Each region has an assigned RCCC who is responsible for communicating with the club coaches, discussing areas for their coaching development and requesting workshops based on coaching needs.

ADC’s and Regional Staff

James Thomas - Talent Development Manager

ATHLETICS DEVELOPMENT CENTRE

DE

ESID

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CARDIFFSWANSEA

UKA Technical Event Group National

Coaching Team

Education & Support Programme

Development Coaches

Club Coaches

Teachers

Mentoring

ADC ADC CoordinatorADC Coach 1ADC Coach 2ADC Coach 3

Development Officer

&

RCCC

Clubs

Schools

The Support System

Excellent performances in the early and qualification periods of the season from both Christian Malcolm and Philippa Roles gained them selection for the XXVIX Olympics in Beijing. Philippa, back to 60m form for the first time in five years, showed that having a full-time job as well as training can be managed effectively, passing the 60m barrier in five separate competitions this summer. Christian saved his best performances of the year for the championships running a seasons best of 20.25 to qualify for the Olympic final putting him back close to the best form he has shown over the past eight or nine years.

Unfortunately this is the lowest number of athletes representing Wales at an Olympic Games since 1980 (six in 1984; nine in 1988; six in 1992; seven in 1996; eight in 2000 and 2004). However, we must look forward and provide every possible support mechanism for our elite athletes to achieve their potential, even against the raising standards set for selection to compete at major championships.

There were notable Welsh absences from Team GB at the Olympics in 2008. World Championship 400m finalist Tim Benjamin faced disappointment with illness and had to cancel his competitive season. Reoccurring injuries also saw Rhys Williams withdraw from competitive action. The European Championship bronze medallist in the 400m hurdles was devastated by the fracture sustained in the Welsh Championships early in the summer.

Amanda Pritchard impressed following a 20 month rehabilitation programme following her fall in the 2006 European Championships recording a 2:00.86 in the 800m in Zaragoza. David Greene, following his European U23 Gold medal winning performance in 2007 has managed to lose his injuries resulting in a strong end of season recording a personal best of 49.53 in Rovereto. Benjamin, Williams, Pritchard and Greene along with team mates Roles and Malcolm will all be in strong contention for places at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin.

To assist athletes achieve podium/top 8 performances, UK Sport operated a World Class Performance Pathway (WCPP) at three key levels: World Class Podium; World Class Development; World Class Talent. Welsh athletes can continue to be funded by their home countries (Welsh Talent Development Academy) until they reach WCPP standard; however the streamlining of the system presented by the transfer of responsibility to UK Sport makes it possible for those athletes to join UK-wide pathway programmes at an earlier stage.

The UK:Athletics WCPP and Welsh Athletics Performance Pathway is focussed on podium or top 8 success at Olympic Games and World Championships. For disabled athletes, the target is podium at Paralympic Games and World Championships.

The Welsh Talent Development Academy (WTDA) was launched in April 2007 with the aim of increasing and accelerating the number of Welsh athletes onto the WCPP, which has an Olympic Games and World Championships top 8 focus.

The WTDA looks to fulfil its aim through developing the necessary support structure around the athlete-coach pair in order for the athlete to continue developing and reach their full performance potential. The concept of athlete and coach development is the golden thread running through Welsh Athletics, from the new Athletics Development Centre (ADC) programme, the WTDA, through to the WCPP. A pathway that is advocated by UK:A and envied by other home countries.

The Talent Development Manager (TDM) aims to gain an understanding of the individual coach-athlete relationships to put in place an effective support structure and support team, focussing upon the 5 rings model of athlete development:

- Fundamental Movement Skills- Strength & Conditioning- Performance Factors- Technical & Tactical- Performance Lifestyle- The support team for the athlete-coach pair is created

through formal & informal reviews, competition & training observations, and the openness of the coach-athlete pair to take on- board new ideas to achieve their performance goals.

The performance managed approach to the WTDA permits athletes access to:- BOA Medical Insurance- Athletics specific Strength & Conditioning- Athletics specific Physiotherapy- Sports Psychology- Sports Nutrition- International Competition opportunities- Training and competition financial assistance

To ensure the continued success of the WTDA, the TDM works hard with the club coaches throughout Wales and the UK to ensure Welsh athletes with developmental potential are being identified and tracked.

WTDA Testimonial – 2008 Athlete “The main thing I have gained from WTDA is my boost in confidence. It feels great walking into competitions knowing that you are considered to be a prospect for the future and knowing that you can go into any competition with your head held high.... It has been a difficult season, which has been hugely affected by injuries picked up from the end of the 2007 season onwards, but thanks to all your help, hopefully, they are all sorted... I am now going into my preparations for next season with an optimism and desire to repay your support.”

The 14 athletes named on the WTDA in December 2007 were:

WTDA Athletes Antonio Cirillo (Race Walking)Caryl granville (�00mH)Sarah Dacey (�00/�00mH)Rachel Johncock (200m)Christina Hughes (Pole Vault)Stephanie Owens (Hammer)Faye Harding (�00/�00mH]

Chris gowell (�00m)Joe Thomas (�00m)Non Stanford (�000m)Rhiannon Yates (Long Jump)Toni Wells (Throws)Kate YhnellBridget Eades

The WTDA can boast success over the last two seasons in the following:- Great Britain

representation at European U20, European U23, World Youth championships and Combined Events internationals.

- World Student Games representation.

- New Welsh age group, Celtic and BUSA records.

- 9 medals in 2007 and 7 medals in 2008 at the English Championships.

- The transition of three WTDA Athletes onto the UK:A WCP.

The future looks extremely encouraging in performance terms with an excellent group of young athletes emerging and developing in Wales. Many of the following impressed at both Welsh and/or English Championships, International representative fixtures or from end of seasons UK rankings. Of particular note performances from: Sara Otung (UK1: 75mH), Hannah Thomas (UK3: 200m), Megan Rodgers (UK1: 300mH), Benytta Doman (UK6: 800m), Mica Moore (UK8: 100m) and Lauren Bell (UK7: 800m) in the girls whilst in the boys, Dewi Griffiths (UK10: 3000m), Daniel Chesworth (UK3: 800m), Thomas Knight (UK13: 200m), Evan Jenkins (UK6: 400m), Rhys Hodnett (UK6: Hammer), Jamaul White (UK4: 200m), and Rhys Williams (UK2: 80mH). With a focus towards the Commonwealth Games in 2010, Welsh Athletics will be releasing its support programme for potential Commonwealth Games representatives in New Delhi. Both 2010, and 2014 will be important opportunities for athletics success on the international stage and an excellent stepping stone towards higher levels of competition in the future for the rising stars of Welsh Athletics.

Performance & Excellence

Able-Bodied Athletes Disabled Athletes World Class Podium Christian Malcolm (200m) Beverley Jones (F37: Shot)Tim Benjamin (400m) Tracey Hinton (T11: 100/200/400m)Rhys Williams (400mH) John McFall (T42: 100m)

World Class DevelopmentDavid Greene (400mH) Brian Aldis (T54: Wheelchair Racing)Amanda Pritchard (800m) Nathan Stevens (F57: Shot, Javelin, Discus)Steve Davies (1500m) Claire Williams (F12: Discus) Andrew Williams (F32: Shot) Kate Arnold (T46: 100/200m) Jenny McLoughlin (T37: 100/200m)

World Class TalentBrett Morse (Discus) Lianne Clarke (Javelin) David Guest (Decathlon)


Jeremy Moody - UKA Performance Manager in Wales


LIFE MEMBERS

1989 Raye Evans (Deceased) Ken B. Harris Ron Evans (Deceased)1991 Bill Evans (Deceased) Margaret Elgie (Deceased)1992 Frank Ireland2001 Lynette Harries2002 Dr Hedydd Davies Ivor Adams2003 Gwilym C.Evans J. Barrie Owen2004 Alan Currie2005 David Alun Williams2007 John Collins

Roll of Honour

AWARD OF HONOUR

Instigated by the Welsh AAA in 1952 for outstanding service over a long period to Welsh Athletics. AAW re-instigated this award in 1995

1952 Eddie W. O’Donnell Frank Liddington Johns William E.Fisher A.Jack Pound

Arthur E.Williams Frank Duggan Cyril M.Howell Ted Hopkins1954 Welsh Schools AA1956 Rev C.P. Hines J.D.B. Williams1964 Lynn Davies1975 Bernard Baldwin1984 Ron. B. Evans1989 Reg Snow1995 Alan Currie Charlie Hughes Frank Ireland Bill Kingsbury1996 Ivor Adams John Collins Raye Evans Barrie Owen Dave Williams1997 Gerry Batty1998 Hedydd Davies1999 Gwilym Evans Mike Rowland2000 Sally Blake Margaret Elgie2001 Lynette Harries Colin Jackson2003 Viv Thomas2005 Terry Notman John Griffiths2006 Peter Morris2007 Paul Darney Graham Webb Keith Matthews Jan Evans-Nugent

MERITORIOUS AWARD This award was instigated by the Welsh AAA in 1954.In 1990 the AAW decided to continue the award to persons for services to Welsh Athletics usually for a period of at least 15 years.

1954 Jim Alford Bill Cook Rev C.P.Hines, Ken Jones Roy Jones Charles Radford David J.P.Richards Major G.D.Taylor Ray Thomas J.D.B.Williams Alf Yeomans1955 Jack Meyrick Harry Lewis John Disley Bob Shaw Tom Richards Will Johnson1956 Matt Cullen H.King Tom Mogford1957 Jack P.Collard C.T.Wright1958 K.Cooper Ron B.Evans Jim Guy Ken Harris D.Owen1959 P.E.Jones Harry F.Keene G.F.Young1960 J.Harris R.G.James J.B.F.Morgan J.G.Thomas Sam J.Williams1961 Len G.Colledge George M.Hapgood Ernie Jones Jack Jones1962 Ron Franklin Llewellyn Harrison Jones Derek Lakin H.V.W.Robinson Reg Snow Nick Whitehead1963 Maurice Bingham Hubert Gorvin Percy Irwin Bill Kingsbury E.Virgin Dave J.Williams1964 No awards1965 Frank Brown J. Donoghue Alan C. Radford1966 Phil Davies J.H.T.Mason Barrie Owen R.V. Tawton R.C. Townsend H. Owen1967 Tom Wood

1968 George Crump L. Jones Alun Jones Graham Fraser Norman Moses1969 No awards1970 Ivor Adams J. Carvell John Collins Gilbert Legge Jim O’Brien Hywel Williams1971 John Flook, John Griffiths Terry Notman H. Williams1972 D. Davies B. Jones Clive Williams1973 Bill Allen Ann Batty Brian Palmer David Phillips Berwyn Price Dave J. Roberts Dave J. Williams1974 George Boardman Bob Sercombe1975 Brian Adamson Alan Currie Les Davies Charlie Hughes, Gordon Rayner Pat Wallace1976 Roy Jones1977 Raye Evans Clifford Guy1978 John Davies1979 Bill Brian Bill Evans C. Harrison Norman John D. John Jones T. Thomas1980 Gerry Batty Eric Eynon Mike Rowland1981 Dave Hopkins Rose Johnson1982 Ivor Arnold Steve Barry Kath Evans Viv Thomas1983 Frank Ireland Irene Lisle Viv Pitcher1984 Owen Edwards Margaret Elgie Ken Griffiths Mrs I. Jenkins John Sammons1985 Gwilym Evans Steve Jones Wyndham Smith1986 Peter Morris John Walsh1987 John Elias Paul Darney Andrew Ireland Colin Jackson Sean Power Alun Roper

Nigel Walker Eirwyn Walters Graham Webb1988 Hedydd Davies Edwin Llewellyn Eaton Ken Stokes Derek Tayler1989 Arwyn Evans1990 Lynette Harries1991 Kath Evans1992 Colin Davies Frank Ireland Richard Jenkins1993 Arthur Bebbington David Phillips Ken Thomas1994 David A. Jones David Williams1995 Bill Powell1996 Sally Blake Brenda Currie Arthur Davies John Penny1997 Bernard Harris Dave Llewellyn1998 Will Burrows Kay James Ann Notman (posthumous)1999 Frank Stringer Averil Williams2000 Terry Davies David Jones2001 Sam Davies (posthumous) Graham Finlayson Keith Matthews Gwilym Jones Sue Sayer Mary Jones Eric Penning.2002 Derek Williams Delyth Davies John Hartley Hilary Thomas Roy Adams Tom C. Jones Bob Frost Ken Bennett Ken Bray2003 Jan Evans-Nugent John Loney Haydn Tawton2004 Steve Perks Joyce Tomala Les Baldwin Ron Freeman Dennis Nugent Mick McGeoch Philip James2005 Alistair Griffiths Gareth Hughes Graham Coldwell, Keith Adams Iloa Adams2006 Kath Elias Derek Crowder Jeff Aston Colin Daley Kath Crane Steve Brace Jeff Kirby

Mel James Paul Jensen Derek Osborne Buddug Llwyd Jones Paul Brooks Ossie Morgan Dorrien Thomas Sue Leyson2007 Peter Walton David Peters Denise Harris Brian Davies Dave Hawthorn Dave Walsh Gwyn Williams Mike Walters Wyn Leyshon Val Davidson Tony Balmont Jacqueline Brace Doug Morris (posthumous)

SPECIAL AWARD TO ATHLETES

John Walters (posthumous)Bernard JonesIwan ThomasJamie BaulchHayley Tullett


2008 ATHLETE OF THE YEAR AWARDS

Male, Junior – Brett MorseFemale, Junior – Megan RogersMale, Senior – Christian MalcolmFemale, Senior – Philippa Roles

HALL OF FAME

2007 Colin Jackson Steve Jones Tanni Grey-Thompson John Disley Lynn Davies2008 Iwan Thomas Kirsty Wade Berwyn Price

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

2007 Ken Harris2008 Lynette Harries

CLUB AWARDS 2007

Track and Field Swansea Harriers Athletics ClubOff Track Eryri HarriersJunior Swansea Harriers ACInclusivity Cwmbran Harriers

Volunteers

Young Volunteer Ian Dwight, Cardiff Amateur Athletics ClubClub Volunteer Neil Dunn Deestriders Running ClubClub Development Steve Livett Menai Track and Field

Officials Newcomer to Officiating Dave Lester, Cwmbran Harriers Off track Kevin Corcoran, Swansea Harriers Athletics ClubTrack and Field Colin Davies, Swansea Harriers Athletics ClubServices to Officiating Derek Crowder

Wilkinson Sword Trophy 2007 & 2008Carmarthen & District Harriers

Coaches

Participation Delyth Brown, Carmarthen and District Harriers Athletics ClubPerformance Dave Lewis, Cwmbran Harriers “Podium” Coach Darrell Maynard Coaching Development Gwyn Williams

Local Authority Sport:Cardiff (City and County of Cardiff Council)Athletics Partnership Swansea Harriers AC and Swansea Schools

CLUB AWARDS 2008

Track and Field Club of the Year – Swansea Harriers ACJunior Club of the Year – Carmarthen and District HarriersInclusivity Club of the Year – Cwmbran HarriersOff Track Club of the Year – Menai Track and Field

Volunteers

Club Volunteer of the Year – George Williams, Swansea Harriers ACYoung Volunteer of the Year – Alex Donald, Cardiff ACClub Development – Richard Tidball, Bridgend AC

Officials

Services to Officiating – Ken Bennett, Swansea Harriers ACNewcomer to Officiating – Jo Davis, Swansea ACOff Track Official of the Year – Terry AlcockTrack and Field Official of the Year – Roger Grindle, Cardiff AC

Coaches

Coaching Development – Andrew Jenkins, Swansea Harriers ACParticipation Coach of the Year – Steve Walker, Wrexham ACPerformance Coach of the Year – Arwyn Davies, Cardiff AACPodium Coach of the Year – Glyn Davies, Wrexham AAC

Athletics Partnership of the Year – Dyfed Schools Athletics Association/ Carmarthen & District HarriersLocal Authority of the Year – City & County of Cardiff

Annual Awards


Welsh Indoor Records/Best Performances 2007/08During the 2007/08 Indoor Season a total of 38 new Records and Best Performances were recognised in 21 events. These figures are analysed below: AC WN U20 U1� U1� U1� Total Male � 1 � 1 � 2 20 Female � 1 - � � - 1� Total � 2 � � 1� 2 ��

MenEvent Age Current New Athlete Club Venue Date Reference Group Record/BP Record/BP

800m U15 2:06.40 2:04.61 Daniel Chesworth Newport Cardiff 3.02.08 WIB01 2:04.54 Daniel Chesworth Newport Birmingham 24.02.081500m U15 4:18.07 4:15.61 Elliott Hardee Newport Cardiff 3.02.08HJ AC 2.25 =2.25 Samson Oni England Cardiff 2.02.08PV U15 3.20 3.40 Stephen Guest Bridgend Cardiff 5.01.08 3.60 Stephen Guest Bridgend Birmingham 23.02.08LJ U13 4.74 4.90 Kierran Cooper Wrexham Cardiff 12.01.08 4.92 Kierran Cooper Wrexham Cardiff 12.01.08SP AC 18.28 18.31 Scott Rider England Cardiff 2.02.08 18.54 Scott Rider England Cardiff 2.02.08 U20 7.26kg 15.25 15.56 Brett Morse Cardiff Cardiff 26.01.08 U20 6kg 15.94 16.01 Brett Morse Cardiff Cardiff 8.12.07 WIB09 16.21 Brett Morse Cardiff Cardiff 8.12.07 16.48 Brett Morse Cardiff Cardiff 8.12.07 16.88 Brett Morse Cardiff Cardiff 16.02.07 4956 Ben Gregory V.Aylesbury Paris, Fr 2.03.08Heptathlon U20 4892 4933 Ben Gregory V.Aylesbury Sheffield 13.01.08 4956 Ben Gregory V.Aylesbury Paris, Fr 2.03.08Pentathlon U17 3410 3856 David Guest Bridgend Glasgow 8.12.07 WIB144x400m AC new 3:17.20 Ireland Cardiff 3.02.08 WIB15 WN new 3:17.31 Wales Cardiff 3.02.08 WIB15

Welsh Indoor Records/Best Performances 2007/08 (continued)A decision was taken by the Track & Field Committee to remove from its Record lists the U20 6.25kg Shot. Some years previously the weight for U20’s was changed to 6kg. and the best performance at that new weight now exceeds the old 6.25kg record

WomenEvent Age Current New Athlete Club Venue Date Reference Group Record/BP Record/BP

800m AC 2:04.05 2:03.66 Jemma Simpson England Cardiff 2.02.08 U17 2:17.30 2:16.74 Benytta Doman Cwmbran Cardiff 12.01.08 Pole Vault U17 3.40 =3.40 Elinor Lewis Cardiff Cardiff 12.01.08 3.40 Elinor Lewis Cardiff Cardiff 16.02.08 3.50 Elinor Lewis Cardiff Cardiff 16.02.08 3.60 Christina Hughes Deeside Birmingham 24.02.08 U15 2.80 2.90 Rhianydd Llewellyn Bridgend Birmingham 2.12.07 3.00 Rhianydd Llewellyn Bridgend Cardiff 5.01.08 =3.00 Rhianydd Llewellyn Bridgend Cardiff 6.01.08 3.10 Rhianydd Llewellyn Bridgend Cardiff 6.01.08 3.10 Rhianydd Llewellyn Bridgend Cardiff 16.02.08 3.20 Rhianydd Llewellyn Bridgend Birmingham 24.02.08 Long Jump AC 6.33 6.43 Gillian Cooke Scotland Cardiff 3.02.08 U15 5.28 5.42 Sara Otung Cardiff Cardiff 1.03.08 5.51 Sara Otung Cardiff Cardiff 1.03.08 Pentathlon U17 3386 3478 Lauren O’Reilly Newport Sheffield 8.03.08 WIB274x400m AC new 3:49.47 Ireland Cardiff 3.02.08 WIB28 WN new 3:57.86 Wales Cardiff 3.02.08 WIB28

Welsh Indoor Championship Best Performances 2008During 2008 Indoor Championship Best Performances were broken or equalled in 14 events on 23 occasions. Event Age Current New Athlete Club Venue Date Reference Group Record/BP Record/BP

Men100m U20 7.01 6.99 Chris Howe Cardiff Cardiff 13.01.08 WICh01 200m U20 22.51 22.49 Chris Howe Cardiff Cardiff 13.01.08 WICh02800m U15 2:08.29 2:07.95 Elliott Hardee Newport Cardiff 13.01.08 WICh03 60mH U17 8.66 8.64 Benjamin Cleary Cardiff Cardiff 12.01.08 WICh04Pole Vault U15 2.81 3.00 Stephen Guest Bridgend Cardiff 13.01.08 WICh05 3.10 Stephen Guest Bridgend Cardiff 13.01.08 WICh05 3.25 Stephen Guest Bridgend Cardiff 13.01.08 WICh05Long Jump U13 4.70 4.90 Kierran Cooper Wrexham Cardiff 12.01.08 WICh06 4.92 Kierran Cooper Wrexham Cardiff 12.01.08 WICh06Triple Jump U20 13.79 13.80 Alex Ezechi-Obiako Unattached Cardiff 13.01.08 WICh07

Ken Bennett - Annual Report of the Records Officer, Welsh AthleticsFor the period, 1st October 2007 to 30th September 2008

2007/08 Indoor Season and the 2008 Track & Field SeasonWelsh Athletics, through its Track & Field Committee, recognises Outdoor and Indoor records in the categories of

All Comers, Welsh National and Under 20.

All Comers Records The best performance achieved in Wales by any athlete from any country or nationality.

Welsh National Records The best performance achieved anywhere in the world by an athlete with Welsh qualifications.

Under 20 Records The best performance achieved anywhere in the world by a Junior athlete with Welsh qualifications

Best Performances are recognised for Welsh qualified athletes Under 17, Under 15 and Under 13 which can be achieved anywhere in the world.

Championship Best Performances are also recognised for both the Outdoor and Indoor Championships.

Process: The UK Athletics Power of 10 web site is now the main source for identifying potential new records/performances. Once a potential record/performance has been identified, the records officer seeks relevant supporting documentation (e.g. copy of photofinish result, field event card etc) from meeting organisers, team managers or anyone who can assist in verifying the performance.Twice a year details of prospective records are submitted to the Track & Field Committee for ratification.


Women100m U15 8.02 7.99 Sara Otung Cardiff Cardiff 13.01.08 WICh08800m U17 2:18.08 2:16.74 Benytta Doman Cwmbran Cardiff 12.01.08 WICh09High Jump U17 1.60 =1.60 Hannah Thomas Wrexham Cardiff 12.01.08 WICh10Pole Vault U20 3.50 3.52 Jessica Abraham Cardiff Cardiff 13.01.08 WICh11 U17 3.40 =3.40 Elinor Lewis Cardiff Cardiff 12.01.08 WICh12Pole Vault U15 2.71 2.80 Rhiannydd Llewellyn Bridgend Cardiff 13.01.08 WICh13 2.80 Lucy Roulston Deeside Cardiff 13.01.08 WICh13 2.90 Rhiannydd Llewellyn Bridgend Cardiff 13.01.08 WICh13 2.90 Lucy Roulston Deeside Cardiff 13.01.08 WICh13 3.00 Rhiannydd Llewellyn Bridgend Cardiff 13.01.08 WICh13Shot U17 11.72 12.14 Tesni Ward Sheffield Cardiff 12.01.08 WICh14 12.29 Tesni Ward Sheffield Cardiff 12.01.08 WICh14 12.86 Tesni Ward Sheffield Cardiff 12.01.08 WICh14

Welsh Outdoor Records and Best Performances 2008During 2008 current Records and Best Performances were bettered in 13 events on 30 occasions. AC WN U20 U17 U15 U13 TotalMale - - 9 - 3 5 17Female - 6 - 6 1 - 13Total - 6 9 6 4 5 30

The Track & Field Committee is due to consider these performances at its November meeting. It is unlikely that the committee will recognise nine of the performances on technical grounds.Five of the performances were assisted by a wind exceeding +2.0m/sec and on four other occasions a wind gauge was not available.

One of the two youngsters affected has a legal time to his credit but the other athlete has broken the current best performance in both the 100m and 200m but will be deprived of Welsh Best Performer status because the meetings were held at tracks that could not provide a wind gauge. The availability of and use of wind gauges needs to be considered by Welsh Athletics. As far as track events are concerned there are many stadiums that do not possess a functioning or calibrated gauge. Photofinish is not the answer. During this season there have been instances where the connection between photofinish and the wind gauge has failed and on other occasions where it was apparently not possible to run the cable across the track to connect to the photofinish equipment. Wind Gauges at Long and Triple Jump competitions are very rare.

Event Age Current New Athlete Club Venue Date Reference Group Record/BP Record/BP

Men/Boys100m U13B 12.5 12.49 Lloyd Robbins Deeside Brecon 24.08.08 The mark should not be ratified as a new Welsh Best Performance. It is understood that a wind gauge was not in use.

200m U13B 25.6 25.2 Lloyd Robbins Deeside Wrexham 26.07.08 The mark should not be ratified as a new Welsh Best Performance. It is understood that a wind gauge was not in use.

800m U15B 2:00.6 2:00.13 Daniel Chesworth Newport Manchester(Str),Eng 15.07.0880mH U15B 11.16 11.08 Rhys Williams Glamorgan Sc Dunfermline,Scot 2.08.08 The mark should not be ratified as a new Welsh Best Performance. Wind reading +2.9

U15B 11.03 Rhys Williams Glamorgan Sc Brecon 31.08.08 Wind reading +1.6

75mH U13B 12.4 12.38 Luke Jenkins Swansea Swansea 14.06.08 Wind reading -1.8

12.2 Luke Jenkins Swansea Barry 13.07.08 The mark should not be ratified as a new Welsh Best Performance. It is understood that a wind gauge was not in use.

12.18 Luke Jenkins Swansea Brecon 24.08.08 The mark should not be ratified as a new Welsh Best Performance. It is understood that a wind gauge was not in use.

Shot U20M (6kg) 16.26 16.34 Brett Morse Cardiff Swansea 20.04.08 17.05 Brett Morse Cardiff Birmingham 27.04.08 17.15 Brett Morse Cardiff Aberdare 10.05.08 WR10Discus U20M (2kg) 55.65 56.67 Brett Morse Cardiff Loughborough 18.05.08 56.87 Brett Morse Cardiff Loughborough 18.05.08 Discus U20M (1.75kg) 56.52 57.91 Brett Morse Cardiff Swansea 20.04.08 58.37 Brett Morse Cardiff Swansea 20.04.08 59.59 Brett Morse Cardiff Aberdare 10.05.08 WR13 60.46 Brett Morse Cardiff Halle, Ger 24.05.08


Women/Girls200m U15G 24.9 24.82 Rachel Johncock Colwyn B Dunfermline 2.08.08 Wind reading +2.0

Pole Vault U17W 3.45 3.50 Rebecca Davies Deeside Brecon 5.07.08 3.50 Christina Hughes Deeside Brecon 5.07.08 3.50 Elinor Lewis Cardiff Brecon 5.07.08 3.50 Christina Hughes Deeside Deeside 12.07.08 3.60 Christina Hughes Deeside Bedford 19.07.08


Pole Vault U15G 3.11 3.15 Rhianydd Llewellyn Bridgend Swansea 20.04.08 Triple Jump SW 12.24 12.42 Sally Peake Liverpool Swansea 15.06.08 The mark should not be ratified as a new Welsh Best Performance. Wind reading +3.5

12.42 Sally Peake Liverpool Swansea 15.06.08 The mark should not be ratified as a new Welsh Best Performance. Wind reading +2.4

12.42 Sally Peake Liverpool Bedford 22.06.08 The mark should not be ratified as a new Welsh Best Performance. Wind reading +3.7

12.43 Sally Peake Liverpool Bedford 22.06.08 The mark should not be ratified as a new Welsh Best Performance. Wind reading +5.2

Hammer SW 64.34 64.39 Carys Parry Rhondda Loughborough 18.05.08 66.31 Carys Parry Rhondda Birmingham 7.06.08

Welsh Championship Best Performances 2008During 2008, Championship Best Performances were broken or equalled in the following events. Event Age Current New Athlete Club Venue Date Reference Group Record/BP Record/BP

Men/Boys3000m U15B 9:35.81 9:27.3 Elliott Hardee Newport Neath 13.08.08 10000m U20M New Event 37:15.5 Steve McCormack Abergele Neath 13.08.08 75mH U13B 12.4 12.38 Luke Jenkins Swansea Swansea 14.06.08Pole Vault U15B 3.40 3.40 Stephen Guest Bridgend Swansea 14.06.08Javelin U13B New Event 19.24 Gethin Clarke Carmarthen Swansea 14.06.08 26.06 William van Klaveren Kingston & Poly Swansea 14.06.08 29.02 Sion Howells Carmarthen Swansea 14.06.08 29.04 Sion Howells Carmarthen Swansea 14.06.08 30.63 Sion Howells Carmarthen Swansea 14.06.08Women/Girls 200m U15G 25.28w 25.12 Rachel Johncock Colwyn B Swansea 14.06.08Pole Vault U20W 3.41 3.50 Jessica Abraham Cardiff Deeside 12.07.08 3.50 Hannah Abraham Cardiff Deeside 12.07.08 3.60 Jessica Abraham Cardiff Deeside 12.07.08Pole Vault U17W 3.20 =3.20 Rebecca Davies Deeside Deeside 12.07.08 =3.20 Naomi James Swansea Deeside 12.07.08 3.30 Rebecca Davies Deeside Deeside 12.07.08 3.30 Christina Hughes Deeside Deeside 12.07.08 3.30 Naomi James Swansea Deeside 12.07.08 3.40 Rebecca Davies Deeside Deeside 12.07.08 3.40 Christina Hughes Deeside Deeside 12.07.08 3.50 Christina Hughes Deeside Deeside 12.07.08Pole Vault U15G 3.00 =3.00 Rhianydd Llewellyn Bridgend Swansea 14.06.08 3.10 Rhianydd Llewellyn Bridgend Swansea 14.06.08Triple Jump SW 12.16 12.42 Sally Peake Liverpool Swansea 15.06.08 wa(+3.5) 12.42 Sally Peake Liverpool Swansea 15.06.08 wa(+2.4)Discus SW 59.08 59.19 Philippa Roles Swansea Swansea 15.06.08 59.52 Philippa Roles Swansea Swansea 15.06.08 61.41 Philippa Roles Swansea Swansea 15.06.08


Hammer SW 63.09 64.00 Carys Parry Rhondda Swansea 15.06.08 65.30 Carys Parry Rhondda Swansea 15.06.08 66.30 Carys Parry Rhondda Swansea 15.06.08Javelin U13G New Event 15.85 Shauna Quirke Bridgend Swansea 14.06.08 17.40 Caitlin Atkins Swansea Swansea 14.06.08 19.73 Rebecca Hughes Swansea Swansea 14.06.081km Walk U15G 5:27.8 5:04.65 Heather Lewis Pembrokeshire Carmarthen 28.06.08(This performance should not be recognised as a Championship Best Performance as there was only 1 qualified walks judge present)

I would like to thank everyone who helped me by providing information to identify and verify performances for Records/Best Performances.

Ken Bennett - Annual Report of the Records Officer, Welsh AthleticsFor the period, 1st October 2007 to 30th September 2008


The XXVIX Olympics of the modern era was celebrated in Beijing, China from the 1�th to 2�th August. Disappointingly, of the �� athletes in the great Britain Track & Field Team, only two were Welsh. This was the lowest number of Welsh athletes in the Olympic Squads since 1��0 when again we had only two representatives.

The Games since 1980 have been graced by many Welsh Athletes. Six in 1984 and 1992; Seven in 1996; Eight in 2000 and 2004: and our highest ever number of Nine in 1988

How many Welsh Athetes should we reasonably expect to wear the Great Britain vest? If we compared it with the population of Wales, which amounts to only 4.9% (2,965,900 persons) of the total number of people in the UK (60,587,300), then we should have had between 3 - 4 Welsh competitors in the this years team.

Only two representatives is disappointing when compared with the numbers competing in the last six Olympic Games but the writing has been on the wall. If one examines the number of Welsh Representatives in the Great Britain teams at the 2005 and 2007 World Championships it will be seen that there have been but three at both Championships.

The two Welsh athletes in the team for the 2008 Games and their events were

Christian Malcolm 200m Philippa Roles WDiscus

Both Christian and Philippa were members of the 2004 Team that competed in Athens and that is another disturbing aspect that there are no new Welsh faces in this year’s squad.

Competition in the Olympics is so fierce that it is generally accepted that reaching the final and finishing in the first eight of any Olympic Track & Field Event is a meritorious achievement. Only ten Welsh Athletes have finished in the top eight in individual events in the 27 Games held since 1896.

Christian Malcolm has now appeared in two Olympic finals (2000 & 2008) finishing 5th on both occasions. Outside Wales, Christian is arguably the most underrated sprinter in the UK and it was tremendous to see his return to form after several seasons of frustrating injuries.

Of the ten individual finalists (or up to 8th place) Colin Jackson leads with four placements at the 110m hurdles – 1988 2nd, 1996 4th, 2000 5th, 1992 7th.

John Disley, Venissa Head and after the 2008 Games, Christian Malcolm have each had two final placements Disley 3000m Steeplechase 1952 3rd 1956 6th Head Shot 1984 6th Discus 1984 7th Malcolm 200m 2000 5th 2008 5th The other six are John Ainsworth-Davies Jump 1920 5th Steve Jones 10000m 1984 8th John Merriman 10000m 1960 8th Tom Richards Marathon 1948 2nd Iwan Thomas 400m 1996 5th To compete in an Olympic Games is often the pinnacle of an athlete’s achievement. Colin Jackson represented Great Britain at four consecutive Games1988, 1992, 1996 and 2000.

Four other athletes have competed in three consecutive Games. Lynn Davies in 1964, 1968, 1972, Roger Hackney in 1980. 1984, 1988, Justin Chaston in 1996, 2000, 2004 and now Christian Malcolm who competed in 2000, 2004 and 2008.

A total of 52 Welsh Athletes (38 men and 14 Women) have taken part in the previous 27 Olympic Games (including the intercalated Games of 1906) winning 4 Gold, 5 Silver and 3 Bronze medals. The medal winners have been:

Welsh Track & Field Athletesat the Olympic Games

GOLD 1912 David Jacobs 4 x 100 Metres1920 Cecil Griffiths 4 x 400 Metres1920 John Ainsworth-Davis 4 x 400 Metres1964 Lynn Davies Long Jump

SILVER 1948 Ken Jones 4 X 100 Metres Tom Richards Marathon1988 Colin Jackson 110 Metres Hurdles1996 Jamie Baulch 4 x 400 Metres Iwan Thomas 4 x 400 Metres BRONZE 1952 John Disley 3000 Metres Steeplechase1960 Nick Whitehead 4 x 100 Metres1980 Michelle Probert - Scutt Women’s 4 x 400 Metres

Compiled by: Ken Bennett Records Officer


1972 Lynn Davies retires after winning five gold medals at major international athletics championships. His Welsh long jump record of 8.23m set in 1968, still stands 40 years later

1973 First overseas senior track and field international (Portugal)

1974 Men’s and women’s Cross Country Associations merge1974 Ruth Martin-Jones becomes the first Welsh woman to win

a medal at a major Games – Commonwealth games in Auckland, NZ.

1974 Malcolm Arnold appointed Welsh National Coach1979 Cwmbran stages the Women’s European Cup semi final1980 Michelle Probert becomes the first Welsh woman to win

an Olympic medal – 4 x 400m bronze in Moscow1982 Kirsty Wade wins her first Commonwealth title at 800m1982 Steve Barry wins Commonwealth Games 30k walk title1985 Steve Jones sets a new world record for the marathon,

which still stands in 2008 as the UK and Welsh record (2 hours 07 mins 13 secs)

1986 Kirsty Wade wins Commonwealth 800 and 1,500m titles1987 The first full time office established by Welsh AAA at

Morfa Stadium, Swansea1989 Cardiff’s new athletics stadium at Leckwith Stadium opens1990 Athletics Association of Wales (AAW) formed covering all

athletics associations in Wales1990 Kay Morley wins Commonwealth Games 100m hurdles

title1993 Colin Jackson sets a new world record (12.91) for the

110m hurdles and becomes world champion1995 Fell and Mountain Running in Wales become part of AAW1994 Neil Winter wins Commonwealth Games pole vault title 1998 First professional administrator for Welsh athletics

appointed1998 Christian Malcolm wins world junior 100 and 200 m titles1998 Iwan Thomas wins both European and Commonwealth

400m titles1999 Colin Jackson wins his second world title1999 Jamie Baulch wins world indoor 400m title2000 AAW moves offices to Celtic Manor Resort2000 National Indoor Athletics Centre (NIAC) at University

Wales Institute Cardiff (UWIC) established2002 Colin Jackson retires after dominating world sprint

hurdling for 10 years winning 10 gold medals at major international athletics championships

2006 AAW moves offices to Cardiff’s Leckwith Stadium2007 Welsh Athletics Ltd formed as the governing body for the

sport of athletics in Wales and the first permanent Chief Executive Officer appointed

2007 Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson, Britain’s greatest all round Paralympian retires after winning 16 medals as a wheelchair racer from five Paralympics, including 11 golds, as well as winning six London Marathons.

2008 The new Cardiff International Sports Stadium at Leckwith becomes the new permanent home of Welsh Athletics.

1860 John Chambers holds a sports meeting at Hafod House, Aberystwyth - probably the first record of an athletics meeting being held in Wales

1871 St. David’s College Lampeter and Llandovery College hold sports meetings

1875 Newport Athletic Club formed and start to hold “athletic sports”

1880 Newport represented at the formation of the AAA - Chambers also there

1893 First Welsh 100 yards Championship1894 First Welsh Cross Country Championships1896 Welsh Cross Country Association formed1896 Newport Harriers formed. They are the oldest surviving

athletics club in Wales1903 Wales compete in the first international cross-country race

in Scotland1907 First full Welsh Track and Field Championships1908 First Welsh competitors at an Olympic Games1929 First Welsh representative match - against Achilles1930 Reg Thomas wins Wales’ first ever individual gold medal

at a major athletics championship – the inaugural Empire (now Commonwealth) Games in Hamilton, Ontario. Thomas ran for England as Wales did not send an athletics team

1934 First Welsh athletics team at the Empire Games1938 Jim Alford emulates Reg Thomas and wins the Empire

Games gold for the mile1946 Welsh Secondary Schools AAA formed1947 First Welsh Schools Track and Field Championships1948 Welsh AAA formed and becomes the first body to govern

the sport of track and field athletics throughout Wales1948 Jim Alford appointed first Welsh National Coach1948 First match against AAA, effectively Wales v England1951 Wales first permanent athletics track (Maindy Stadium,

Cardiff) opened1951 Welsh Women’s AAA formed1954 First full track and field international match against foreign

opposition – Ireland1958 V1th British Empire and Commonwealth Games held in

Cardiff1959 First Welsh Games held incorporating an international

match Wales v Pakistan1961 Ron Pickering arrives in Wales as Jim Alford’s replacement

as national coach1964 Lynn Davies wins Wales’ first and only individual Olympic

gold medal1967 Welsh Women’s CCA formed1969 British League commences and Pilot Welsh Track and

Field League is held1969 Welsh track and field championships go metric…and move

to Cwmbran1970 First Welsh indoor championships held at St. Athan1970 Berwyn Price wins Commonwealth Games 110m hurdles

title

Welsh Athletics Milestones

Compiled by: Clive Williams - Non Executive Director

For more information, please contact:

Welsh Athletics Ltd.Cardiff International Sports Stadium

Leckwith RoadCardiff CF11 8AZ

029 2064 4870www.welshathletics.org

welsh athletics 2007-08 annual report

Documents

welsh athletics office

past year

new cardiff stadium

welsh assembly government

eventful year

regional athletics councils

city of cardiff council

staff team members