Sussex Independent Schools Diamond League
Hurst athletics has made a flying start this season, breaking several records along the way. The prestigious Sussex Independent Schools Diamond League began on 26 April at Eastbourne Rovers Athletics Club and came to an exciting conclusion on 17 May at Withdean, the home of Brighton and Hove Athletics Club, where the finals took place.
At its heart, the Diamond League is all about opportunity. Athletics is the foundation of all sports, helping to develop speed, endurance, and strength, and this competition gives every athlete the chance to shine. Participants from a record number of twelve schools across Sussex could enter up to four meetings, earning points in every event they contested. At the end of the series, those with the highest points in each discipline were awarded Gold, Silver, or Bronze medals at the finals, making every performance count.
Rob Kift, Director of Sport at Hurst College and founder of the Sussex Independent Schools Diamond League, and Jason Jeffery, Head of Athletics at Hurst College, spearheaded the operation. Both expressed immense pride in the event and every athlete who took part. They would like to thank all those involved for making it possible—a truly huge team effort.
Junior Girls
Isla H-S finished her series with a Silver in the 75m Hurdles (13.09 s) as well as reaching the podium in the High Jump (1.40 m). Valentina R was sensational in the High Jump, clearing 1.60 m to claim Gold, and also took Bronze in the 200m (27.66 s). Amelie W delivered a winning performance in the 800m across all four meets (best 2:25.3), securing Gold, and medalled in both the Javelin (25.64 m) and 300m (43.6 s). Ciara O ran a gutsy race to take Bronze in the 800m (2:37.4). Over the 100m, Gabriela R clocked 13.2 s for Silver, while Emily C-R finished third in 14.2 s. Clementine L-S delivered a strong performance in the 300m (45.6 s) to earn Silver, also medalling in the Triple Jump (9.69 m). Emma B battled all the way and was rewarded with Bronze in the 1500m (5:32.1). The Junior Girls’ 4 x 100m relay squad dominated throughout and claimed Gold on finals day. In the throws, Olivia C reached the podium in the Discus (20.56 m) and Javelin (24.31 m), joined by Lauren B, who took a medal in the Javelin (29.51 m). Lola F showed superb technique to medal in the Shot Put (8.36 m).
Junior Boys
Muyi C leapt over the 80m Hurdles with ease, taking Gold in 13.3 s. Raffe S smashed 24.2 s in the 200m to claim Silver and cleared 1.68 m in the High Jump for Gold. Tommy S topped the 300m rankings, securing Gold in 40.9 s. Hursts’ top sprinters formed a swift 4 x 100m relay team that secured Silver against tough competition. Theo C, having only recently taken up Javelin, launched himself into Silver-medal position with a throw of 27.10 m.
Intermediate Girls
Tianna B had a great Diamond League series, securing Bronze in the 80m Hurdles (14.1 s) and Silver in the Long Jump (4.81 m). Joy R looked commanding in the sprints, winning Gold in the 200m (26.4 s) and Silver in the 300m (42.7 s). Daniele I’s hard work in training paid off, earning a brilliant Bronze in the 100m (14.2 s). Issy K launched herself into Gold with a best throw of (25.39 m) in the Discus, whilst bagging herself another medal in the Javelin (30.62 m), proving to be a force to be reckoned with.
Intermediate Boys
Oscar B stamped his authority on the 100m Hurdles (15.1 s), taking Gold. Jacob J showcased impressive speed in the 200m (23.8 s) to earn Silver. Will S and Arlo S filled the top two podium spots in the 100m—Arlo winning Gold in 11.4 s, with Will a close second in 11.5 s. Jack S excelled on the field, claiming Gold in the Long Jump (5.96 m), Silver in the Discus (28.02 m), and also medalled in the High Jump (1.60 m). Lucas B leapt into the record books with a Silver in the Long Jump (6.09 m), while Will S also took Bronze in the Long Jump (5.67 m), making it a Hurst one-two-three. Lawrence G retained his title as king of the Discus—his 42.16 m throw set a new Diamond League record, earning Gold—while also medalling in the Shot Put (10.72 m). In the Javelin, Huggie B threw 42.73 m for Gold, and Scott C reached 29.63 m to claim Bronze. Ashton G threw a huge 43.06 m in the Javelin, but having not attended enough meets, did not qualify for a medal.
Senior Girls
Katie F smashed barriers in the 100m Hurdles (18.8 s) to take Gold, and ran a strong 400m (62.4 s) for another Gold. Vice-captain Amelie H followed Katie closely in the 100m Hurdles (19.7 s) to earn Silver, and also won Gold in the Javelin (25.83 m). Hurst newcomer, Stella K, was victorious in both the 200m (27.5 s) and the Long Jump (4.96 m), showcasing top-class form. Charlotte C-R earned Gold for a blistering 12.7 s in the 100m and soared to 1.50 m in the High Jump for another Gold. Hurst’s Senior Girls 4 x 100m relay squad delivered a dazzling performance to take Gold. Emily S rounded off the day with a Bronze in the High Jump (1.05 m) and further podium finishes in the Discus (12.24 m) and Javelin (10.32 m).
Senior Boys
Boys’ team vice-captain, Gabe S, maintained pole position in the 110m Hurdles (19.3 s) for Gold, with Freddie H close behind in 20.6 s for Silver. The Senior Boys’ 4 x 100m relay squad added a silver lining to the end of the finals day with a Silver.
Hurst College would like to thank all the competitors, officials, and venues that hosted this series of events. It provided a fantastic opportunity for athletes of any ability to take part in competitive track and field. Special thanks go to Luke at Just Timing, whose live feed of finals day garnered over 2,000 views. All other results are available on SISDL.com. We look forward to seeing you all next year.
Find out more about Athletics at Hurst College.
