The first 60m final was in this age group and for many it was the race of the weekend. It saw Mabel Akande (Coach: Denise Timmis, Club: Lincoln Wellington) hold off two European Champions for a mightily impressive 7.26 clocking. Not only did it win her the gold medal, it was a massive PB and by far the quickest time in the country for an U20 – not to mention third best overall for this year not far adrift of current senior UK number one Imani Lansiquot (Ryan Freckleton, Sutton and District) who has a 7.20 to her name.
Behind Mabel, Faith Akinbileje (John Blackie, Blackheath and Bromley Harriers) was also swift, her 7.29 removing a sizeable chunk from her previous fastest time. It moved her to number two U20 and number four overall for 2024.
“I almost can’t quite believe it,” said Mabel, last year’s U17 champion, clearly surprised she had beaten such illustrious rivals (Faith, the European 200 champ and Nia Wedderburn-Goodison, the European 100 gold medallist (Ryan Freckleton, Harrow). “It feels great and I did pretty much what my coach said,” she laughed, adding that there is a bit more to come, though”.