YOUNG athlete Ellie Morris finished sports day on a high after jumping into the record books.
The Year 7 student at Bede Academy, Blyth, not only broke the girls’ record in the high jump but her height of 1.41m was the best female performance across the school and even bettered the Year 10 boys’ record.
The 12-year-old’s success didn’t end there. The all-round athlete also took the honours in the 80m hurdles with a new school record and personal best of 12.4 seconds.
“I have had a great day and was delighted with my running and jumping,” said Ellie, who is a member of Blyth Running Club.
Her record-breaking efforts were replicated across the board with previous bests tumbling on the track and in the field in a fiercely contested annual sports day staged at Monkton Stadium, Jarrow.
Even a broken leg sustained in a friendly football match wasn’t going to stop Jordan Knight taking part. He was placed second in the javelin despite competing with a cast on his leg.
“I have won some javelin competitions this year but the cast meant I could only manage second,” said Jordan, who plays centre midfield for Blyth Town and centre for the academy’s rugby team.
“The cast has to stay on six weeks which coincides with the start of the new season so I am just hoping I am fit.”
Year 12 shot putter Martyn Quinn stole the competition with a record breaking throw of 9.45m while on the track Blyth Running Club runner Anya Christopher equalled the 800m record with a time of 2.52min.
Morpeth AC Harrier and Year 9 student Taylor Glover, 14, strolled home in the 800m winning by 80m, while Year 12 800m runner James Young, 17, won by 100m to take the academy record with a time of 2.05min.
Oswald house took the overall honours.
Director of sport Simon McAree said: “We had a stunning day of sport with a host of records being broken. Ellie’s performance was incredibly impressive and I am sure she has a very bright future ahead of her in athletics.
“Sports day is always a highlight of the school calendar with students and staff enjoying the spirit of competitiveness in a great setting.”
