Newcastle University

Fear not. The first ever intra-mural athletics competition did indeed take place indoor and not in the chilly -1 outside. Relieved, and removing layer upon layer I took a seat at the Gateshead Indoor Athletics Hall and watched the 60m sprints, long jump, triple jump, high jump and shot putt.

Between Newcastle’s Sports Development Officer Sarah Todd, and the University Athletic Club, the Sports Centre used Wednesday 14^th December to hold the first intra-mural athletics event. “We wanted to branch out on the number of intra-mural sports we offer at the University, and give people the opportunity to try something different”. Whilst the event was open to the enthusiastic beginners, it was also a chance for current athletes at the University to practise their events, or to compete at events they had never previously took part in.

 This give-it-a-go spirit was epitomised by University long distance runners Adam Kneeshaw and Martin Holley, who used the event to compete for a bed on their next holiday to Portugal. I spoke to leggy athlete Adam Kneeshaw in a break between events “I don’t do any of these events really but it’s a great chance to try new things-and when we go to Portugal at Easter someone has to sleep on the floor so we’re using this to sort the men from the boys”. Martin Holley summed up his 60m sprint effort as “at least 2940 metres too short”. Martin then continued to a triple jump effort that yielded no jump at three attempts, and a high jump involving a painful looking collision with a bar. Adam on the other hand, managed to swing his long legs over the bar. It wasn’t pretty, but it won him a respectable third place.

 Although the afternoon wasn’t entirely dedicated to personal glory, Lee Tinnion fought off fierce competition in the high jump with an impressive jump of 1.80m whilst Becky McAlister eased to a gold medal in the 60m sprint. The event served as a useful practise ground for the Universities dedicated athletes whilst encouraging inexperienced athletes to record their scores and keep an eye on their own abilities.

 It served as a precursor for a potential outdoor event in 2012; anyone who believes they are faster, stronger and better than their housemates and coursemates should keep an eye out for information. 2012 could be your chance to prove yourself.

Richard Stanyon