Hannah Viner, 20, and Richard Goodman, 23, experienced
contrasting fortunes at the sharp end of the English National Cross Country
Championships at Nottingham. Viner placed 28th out of 788
competitors in the senior women's race, while Richard Goodman was forced to
pull out of the senior men's event after suffering a serious spike wound.
Viner started hard in her 8km race to gain a good position.
"As always the case with the Nationals, there was a fast start, and it was
a tough race”, she commented. ”In some places the going was firm, but much of
the course was boggy with some deep and wide ditches to wade through. I think I
chose the right strategy, even though I lost a few places towards the end."
Goodman entered his race with realistic expectations of
medalling. "I was in the leading group on the first full lap when I lost a
shoe in the mud," he recounted. "I continued for another lap but was
forced to take off the other shoe in order to balance my stride. Then a
spectator shouted out that my ankle was bleeding and I needed to stop. I had
been unaware of it, but the wound needed twelve stitches. I only hope that my
enforced layoff proves to be a blessing in disguise."
Lia Radus, 15, and her sister Maayan, 12, had successful
outings in the U15 and U13 events. Lia helped Blackheath & Bromley secure
team bronze while Maayan led the club home to team gold medals.
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