Last updated 11:51, Thursday, 10 July 2008

LAURA Park, 16, is expected to be amongst the stars of 2008 Sainsbury’s English Schools Track and Field Championships at Gateshead International Stadium this weekend.

Laura Park

Still a student still at Netherhall, Park will be up against the cream of English School’s athletes in her age category (Intermediate Girls Under-17) when she competes in this weekend’s 3,000 metres event.

The Maryport based athlete usually a cross country or fell runner last year claimed silver in this same event.

Already this year Park has put in some superb performances. This includes winning the Under-17 Sainsbury’s English Schools Cross Country title in Liverpool in March and a fantastic 17th in the World Junior Cross Country Championships in Edinburgh.

These performances put Ellenborough Athletics Club, Park in great shape ahead of this weekend’s Sainsbury’s English Schools Track and Field Championships where she will certainly be looking to emulate some of this recent form.

Daley Thompson, Sainsbury’s English Schools ambassador, and double Olympic decathlon gold medallist, suggested if Laura does medal at the Sainsbury’s English Schools Track & Field Championships, it would be a fantastic achievement but it would only be the start of the hard work should she desires to be on worldwide podium’s in the future.

“Every year at the Sainsbury’s English Schools Track and Field Championships we see some fantastic performances. I’m sure this year will be no different,” said Thompson.

“It’s really encouraging for athletics in the UK to know that there is a solid base of talent out there.

“Of course, this is only the starting point for them. If they are willing to put in the required hard work, listen and maintain a focus for a sustained period then hopefully we will see many of our junior stars remain in the sport, followed by world podium appearances in the not too distant future.”

2008 Sainsbury’s English Schools Track & Field Championships will be shown live on Sky Sports Two from 2pm to 6pm.