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Great Day at the races for Phoenix

Monday 29th February 2016

In the words of the commentator on the coverage of the British Indoor Championships in Sheffield "Brighton Phoenix have had a very good day here". He was referring partly to our medal winners but also to the strength in depth of our team. Indeed they had won the team competition.

Charlie Grice was defending the 1500M title he won last year and was the event favourite. He didn't disappoint. Taking it out with two laps to go, he ran a perfectly judged race to win the final in (for him) the modest time of 3:46.50. It was great too to see Robbie Fitzgibbon make the final and achieve an excellent fourth spot (3:48.62). Archie Davis will be disappointed with his fifth place in the previous day's heats running almost eight seconds slower than his season's best and failing to meet the final.

We had three athletes in the 800M all running in separate heats with the finalists selected on time. Finley Biggran first coming second in 1:53.82, Then Dan Stepney, third in 1:51.46 and finally Spencer Thomas, second in 1:51.34. Spencer it was who made the final, running 1:51.35 and making it into silver medal position.

Then there was Toby. Toby Harries, just 17 years old and now British indoor 200M champion. He had won his heat in a 21:22 PB, the semi final in an improved 21:12 and then stormed around the difficult outer outer lane on the last bend to overhaul the pack in a thrilling finish. Time 21:13. Great stuff Toby.

What have all these athletes got in common? They are part of Jon Bigg's coaching group. A proud day for them and a proud day for Jon as well – congratulations.

You can find the results at

http://www.britishathletics.org.uk/results/20160227_sheffield/timetable/index/index.html