Thanet AC Shine at Kent Relays & U13 Championships

Thanet Athletics Club athletes produced outstanding performances at the Kent Relay and U13 Individual Championships, proudly representing the club against some of the county’s largest clubs and teams. 

The day began with a standout performance from U13 athlete Bella Winfield, who has enjoyed a strong season competing in a variety of events. Showing both confidence and determination, Bella cleared her way through the rounds, surpassing her 1.20m personal best and leaping to a remarkable 1.28m. Her 8cm personal best secured a well-deserved gold medal and crowned her the Kent U13 High Jump Champion.

Bella Winfield with her gold medal.

Attention then turned to the U17 women’s relays, where Thanet’s squad of Gracie Lawton, Olivia Prosser, Imogen Carter and Adriana Pepin – a mixed-discipline team of sprinters, a multi-eventer and a thrower – stepped up brilliantly. Against fierce competition, they fought hard in both events, securing 8th place in the 4x100m and 4x200m, and showing their determination to keep Thanet AC firmly in the mix.

The day concluded with the senior women’s relay teams, who put on inspiring displays. In the 4x200m, the quartet of Leah Wearing-Channing, Millie Vas, Natalia Kolodziejczyk, and Bethany Shimmen-Smith fought off rival teams to clinch a bronze medal and a place on the podium.

Thanet AC Senior Women Team; from left, Natalia Kolodziejczyk, Bethany Shimmen Smith, Millie Vas, Leah Wearing-Channing.

Later, the 4x100m team, Natalia, Millie, Lilly and Bethany battled through the heats, with Bethany dipping on the line to secure a place in the final. Against strong competition from much larger clubs, the team finished 7th overall, showing grit and teamwork to the very end.

It was a fantastic day for the club, with gold and bronze medals, plus two relay finals. 

All the more impressive given Thanet AC’s lack of access to local athletics facilities over the past year.

Club chairman Julien Lawton praised the athletes’ efforts, saying: “This is an achievement that reflects the gut and determination of Thanet AC. Fantastic effort by athletes, coaches & parents/family traveling all the way to Bromley and shining".

• James Bridge