1 February 2008

Teams representing Bristol, Oxford, London North, London South, Cardiff and Belfast have a hard act to follow this Saturday as they compete in the second semi-final of the 2008 Indoor City Challenge (ICC) at Cardiff’s Metropolitan University (UWIC), one week after athletes in the first clash set a very high standard of competition.

Among the athletes battling to take their city into the final is returning 2007 ICC 60m hurdles champion Gianni Frankis (London North). Frankis impressed last year at the European Junior Championships, placing third in the 110m hurdles, and is currently fourth in the UKA Power of Ten rankings despite still being in the under 20 age group. He will defend his title against contenders including Team Belfast’s Luke Reynolds who placed fourth at last year’s Indoor City semi final in Glasgow and has since slashed 0.09secs off his personal best.

Although team manager Geoff Morphitis (London North) looks to improve on last year’s crucifying one point defeat to Sheffield in the final, not all sights are set on podium positions.

David Reid, High Performance Manager at the Sports Institute, Northern Ireland and Team Belfast contributor said; ‘Whilst we do not expect to progress to the final we would be hopeful of some personal bests, and some Commonwealth Youth qualifying marks as targets for the competition.’ 

Reid proudly confirms Hannah Lewis will be making her ICC debut for Team Belfast as she begins her qualification campaign to make the Northern Ireland Commonwealth Youth team for India next October. Lewis, 17, who has been ranked in the top three long jumpers in the UK for her age group over the past two seasons will hope to get the 5.90m qualifying distance early despite facing tough senior competition from an experienced line-up.

The leading three teams are guaranteed places in the final at the EIS, Sheffield on Sunday 17 February, with two additional places due to be filled by the next highest scoring teams.

Spectator entry is free for more information visit Indoor City Challenge.