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Phoenix at the Commonwealth Games

Wednesday 30th July 2014

Phoenix at the Commonwealth Games

The Commonwealth Games is now on and we are lucky enough to have Charlie Grice in the England team over 1500m. Surprisingly he is the first Phoenix runner to run the 1500m in the Commonwealth Games.His heat is today Friday 1 August with the final tomorrow Saturday 2 August.

The Commonwealths have been quite a good championships for our club. Back in 1986 Steve Ovett won the 5000m, not bad for an Olympic 800m Champion! In 1990 Mark Rowland came 7th in the 5000m. In 2002 Pat Davoren came 9th in the 3000m Steeplechase. But our most successful athlete was a Phoenix second claim member. Sally Gunnell won gold and silver over the 100m hurdles in 1986 and 1990, she also won gold over 400m hurdles in 1990 and 1994 as well as two 4 x 400m relay golds in 1990 and 1994.

One of the most significant Phoenix performances at the Commonwealths came back in 2002 from Honorary Phoenix Member Joel Kidger. Competing for England Joel made the semi finals of the 800m. It is no exaggeration to say that the experiences Joel picked up in his International career have boosted the performances of our Phoenix Middle distance squad. One of the people who has really benefitted from Joel's help and input is none other than Charlie Grice.

Now back to training for the rest of you so that I may write your names up as well!

Cheers

Paul

(Chairman of Phoenix)