The Wilnecote School’s Athletics Team has once again demonstrated its formidable prowess, securing the coveted overall victory at the recent District Athletics event. A staggering 82 students from The Wilnecote School either competed or took on crucial leadership roles, contributing to an unforgettable day of sporting achievement against all five Tamworth High Schools.

The atmosphere was electric as Wilnecote’s athletes showcased their dedication and talent. Notably, 38 students experienced the thrill of competing at the District finals for the very first time, a testament to the school’s burgeoning athletic program. Each year group benefited from the exceptional guidance of their appointed team captain and vice-captain, who provided invaluable leadership and support, empowering every athlete to reach their full potential.

The school’s collective effort translated into an emphatic overall win. Wilnecote athletes secured an impressive 18 first-place finishes and 14 second-place positions across various disciplines. The relay events were a particular highlight, with the team claiming victory in 3 of the 8 races, securing 2 second-place finishes, and battling to 3 third-place positions, showcasing incredible teamwork and speed.

Several individual performances stood out:

• Year 7: The incredibly versatile Eliza P dominated her events, securing victories in both the $100\text{m}$ and $800\text{m}$ races. Demonstrating her all-round athletic brilliance, she also clinched a second-place finish in the high jump.

• Year 8: George H proved he was “born for speed and power” by taking first place in both the $100\text{m}$ and $200\text{m}$ sprints. Ciara Brailsford mirrored Eliza’s multi-talented display, winning the $1500\text{m}$ and the high jump – truly excelling in everything she does. The $800\text{m}$ race was a Wilnecote clean sweep, with Rosie M and Mia C taking a dominant first and second place respectively. A remarkable achievement was also seen from Harper C, who won the discus despite only having learned the event just two weeks prior to the competition.

• Year 10: Aiden C was a force to be reckoned with, proving “super fast and extremely springy” by winning the $100\text{m}$, $200\text{m}$, and the long jump. Heidi A showcased both “speed and endurance,” winning the $1500\text{m}$ and securing a strong second place in the $200\text{m}$.

Looking ahead, the success at the District event means that over 20 students from The Wilnecote School will now have the immense honour of representing Staffordshire at the upcoming County Finals, a truly outstanding achievement for the school and its dedicated athletes.

Miss Dickins, Head of PE at The Wilnecote School, expressed immense pride in her team’s accomplishments: “Our students were simply phenomenal. Their dedication, sportsmanship, and raw talent were on full display, and seeing so many achieve personal bests and contribute to this overall victory is incredibly rewarding. I couldn’t be prouder of every single student who participated, and we are all thrilled to see so many qualify for the County Finals.”