Scores of athletes tested their mettle at the Willesden Sports Centre as part of Track Academy’s popular annual competition, cheered on by spectators from the community.

With more than 150 entries, the event saw athletes of all ages compete in heats ranging from a 100m sprint to a mile-long run. 

In the 75m, the fastest female was U11 Kira Tan with a time of 11.23 seconds, while her male counterpart Thierry Mothersill from Track Academy (U11) came home in 11.94 seconds.

There were a whopping 21 heats in the 100m spread over two rounds, with senior Jimmy Thoronka of Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers the fastest male in both, with times of 10.57 and 10.68 seconds. It was a similar story for U13 Michelle Thompson of Track Academy, who was the fastest female in both rounds with times of 12.70 seconds and 12.95 seconds.

Newham and Essex Beagles’ Marlon Hogg-Williams and Thames Valley Harriers’ Katie Marie Sherlock were the fastest male and female in the 200m heats. Both seniors, their respective times were 22.05s and 25.31s.

Senior Isaac Ogunlade of Havering Athletics Club took the title of fastest male in the 400m with a time of 49.92 seconds, with Katie-Marie Sherlock taking another women’s top spot in 56.05 seconds.

In an all-men’s 800m, U17 Kuvar Peter from Thames Valley Harriers stormed home in two minutes and two seconds. Meanwhile, veteran Ruben Carvajal of Queen’s Park Harriers won the mile race in an even five minutes.

And, last but not least, Sri Hollema of Thames Valley Harriers won the long jump with a distance of 4.85m. 

Along with the sporting action, Track Academy took part in a project led by local sculptor Donald Brown, who also commentated on the athletics at the event. Donald has created a sculpture of Sir Roger Bannister on the 70th anniversary of becoming the first person to run a sub-four minute mile.

Earlier this year, portions of clay were placed on a blank board by notable individuals and organisations to launch the creation of the sculpture. This tribute was continued at the competition with Brent mayor Cllr Tariq Dar adding the latest piece of clay.

Track Academy founder and director Connie Henry MBE said: “As ever, the competition was a fantastic testament to the incredible sporting talent in Brent and beyond, and it was wonderful to see the number of entries surpass pre-Covid levels. 

“We’d like to thank DJ Entertainment, Thames Valley Harriers’ track manager Gary Telfer, commentator Donald Brown, Brent mayor Tariq Dar, photographers Nicroy Thomas of NKT Photography and Brandon Burnett of Visuals by Photos, plus our board members Patrik Ewe, Amechi Okafor and Steve McKoy for being with us on the day. A special thank you also goes to Tanya Grant of TT and KK Catering who donated £25 of her proceeds to our charity. Such acts of kindness do not go unnoticed, and we are truly grateful for her support.

“In addition, we’d like to thank the volunteers and officials who dedicated their precious time to our event. We could not have done it without their help.”