Brick looks to build on Hungary trip

Jul 11 2008 by Peter Guy, Liverpool Daily Post

Brick looks to build on Hungary trip

KATE BRICK certainly won’t forget her first taste of international athletics.

Having surprisingly made it through to the 100m final a breakdown in communications meant she was watching from the sidelines while the event went on without her.

But for the Wirral Athletics Club athlete she was able to shrug off the disappointment knowing there’s plenty more finals to look forward to in what promises to be a most fruitful career on the track.

Having been running since the age of eight, Kate, under the guidance of coach Paul Waters, has worked her way up the regional standings to recently recieve her first call-up to the English National squad to compete in the Masz International in Hungary.

“It was all very last minute,” said her dad Steve. “We were surprised but equally delighted.”

After landing in Hungary, the Birkenhead Sixth Form student hooked up with the English squad and Great British regulars, Victoria Barr and Kim Wall.

“I was very nervous, but it was a great experience and the athletes and coaches looked after me very well,” said the 18-year-old, who has been Merseyside Schools Champions twice.

On the day of her race, Kate was disappointed with her 100m qualifying time of 12.96, and in finishing fourth thought that was the end of her championships. But unbeknown to her, an empty lane in the 100m final should have been filled by herself and the race was all but over when she realised.

“I was gutted,” said Kate, who is ranked ninth in the North West. “But these things happen – and after all, my time of 12.96 was quite a bit short of my personal best of 12.4.”

Kate fits in three training sessions per week around her college work – she is studying AS Sport and ICT – and her job in Home & Bargains in Prenton.

Next up for Kate is the English Schools Finals meeting in Gateshead this weekend where she will be aiming to catch the eye of the British selectors ahead of an August meeting in Belgium.

Kate added: “I am looking to set a new PB of around 12.2 – I think I can do it.”