Hayes sprint hurdler Jack Kirby admits his Sainsbury’s School Games involvement may have been short, but it was very sweet after claiming gold in Sheffield.
The 16-year-old headed to Don Valley Stadium last week to help wave goodbye to Jessica Ennis-Hill’s home track in style – with the venue soon to be demolished – as he took part in the School Games. Kirby stormed to the 100m finish line in 12.87 seconds to take home gold.
This was Kirby’s first School Games appearance and also his last with the teenager set to be too old to compete when the multi-sport event that caters for more than 1,600 athletes rolls on to Manchester next year.
With this in mind, the Barnhill Community High School pupil was delighted to not let his one and only bow pass him by.
“It was not a bad race. I felt a bit stiff but the wind carried me through and I am really pleased to have won the gold,” he said.
“The stiffness comes from this being the end of the season. It has been the longest season I have done and it has taken it out of me.
“This was my first School Games and it has been great – the size of it is huge and it is like a mini Olympics which is great. Unfortunately it is pretty short and sweet for my involvement because I will be too old next year, but I was happy to mark the occasion with the win.”
The School Games, supported by National Lottery funding from Sport England and delivered by the Youth Sport Trust, not only marked the end for Don Valley but also for Kirby’s 2013 season.
Next year sees the Hillingdon Athletics Club star move up an age group and he is more than happy to spend 2014 finding his feet in unfamiliar surroundings.
“It will all be about finding my feet and I am not about to rush into any promises,” he added.
The Sainsbury's 2013 School Games is supported by National Lottery funding from Sport England and delivered by the Youth Sport Trust. Visit www.2013schoolgames.com for more information.
