Foundation Pupils Proudly Represent King’s at National Athletics Finals

Pupils from the King’s Foundation celebrated a remarkable achievement this week, competing at the prestigious IAPS National Athletics Finals where they proudly represented their school on a national stage.

The event took place at the iconic Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, the home of the Commonwealth Games, which made the occasion especially memorable. Athletes’ names were announced over the tannoy and events featured live commentary, creating the atmosphere of a professional sporting event.

King’s Senior

King’s Senior pupils enjoyed a fantastic day of competition, with a strong team qualifying through the Mercia round earlier in June. Although the event is traditionally for IAPS schools, recent rule changes have enabled pupils in the Lower Years to take part, allowing King’s Senior to compete for the past three years.

Qualification for the national finals is a significant achievement, with pupils needing to finish first or second in their events at the regional round. All our athletes performed superbly, representing King’s with determination and pride on a national stage.

The team returned with three medals, including a historic gold for Marnie P, who won the U13 javelin, set a new school record and became our first ever national champion. Marnie also competed in the shot put.

There was further medal success for Tom B, who won bronze in the U14 boys’ discus, while Helena C produced an excellent performance to take bronze in the U14 girls’ 1500m.

Several other pupils also achieved impressive results. Amelia J finished fourth in the U14 girls’ shot put and also competed in the long jump, while Jetta P and Millie B represented King’s in the hurdles, with Millie qualifying for the final.

Oscar H ran a personal best in the U14 boys’ 800m, Thomas C and Thea G both competed in the high jump, and King’s was also represented in the U14 boys’ and girls’ relays, with the girls’ team progressing through to the final.

Congratulations to all our athletes on reaching the national finals and representing the King’s so brilliantly.

King’s Hawford

King’s Hawford celebrated a fantastic achievement on Wednesday as three pupils represented the school across four events at the National Prep Schools Athletics Championships.

Having all qualified for the national finals by finishing either first or second in their respective events at the Mercia Regional Championships two weeks earlier, Harry, Sam and Florrie earned their places among the very best prep school athletes in the country.

Harry got King’s Hawford’s day off to a superb start in the U12 Boys’ High Jump. Rising to the occasion, he produced a personal best clearance of 1.35 metres, a performance that was only surpassed by the eventual winner. After an incredibly close competition, Harry finished an outstanding fourth in the country on the count-back rule—an exceptional achievement of which he should be immensely proud.

Next into action was Sam in the U12 Boys’ Javelin. Having comfortably won the regional title, he arrived with high expectations but faced a significantly stronger field at the national finals. Following the opening three rounds, Sam was sitting in second place. Saving his best until last, he unleashed a magnificent final throw of over 35 metres – a new personal best – which secured the gold medal and crowned him National Champion. This is a huge achievement Sam as well as for the school as a whole. Hawford have now secured six podium finishes at the National Finals in the last eight years, including three as National Champions.

The afternoon programme saw Florrie compete in the U12 Girls’ Shot. Up against a field of strong and talented athletes, she performed with great determination and composure, recording a respectable throw of 6.15 metres. Reaching the national finals was a fantastic achievement in itself, and Florrie represented the school with distinction throughout the competition.

The final event of the day saw Sam return for the U12 Boys’ Shot. Despite already having the title of National Javelin Champion to his name, he produced another excellent performance, recording a throw of over 8 metres to secure an impressive fifth-place finish in the country.

Overall, it was a hugely successful day for King’s Hawford. To have three pupils competing on the national stage across four events was a historic milestone for the school, and their performances, determination and sportsmanship were a credit to themselves, their families and the entire school community.

King’s Hawford’s regular and consistent successes competing amongst some of the biggest prep schools in the country in national athletics is a huge credit to the children as well as to the school’s superb athletics program. We are immensely proud of our young athletes.