SEREN SELECTED FOR GB!
Many congratulations to Seren Rodgers on being selected to represent GB at the European Under 18 Championships in Jerusalem at the beginning of July. Way back in October, her season’s goal was to concentrate on the Heptathlon and try to score 5000 points for her American University application.
She embarked on the SIAB Pentathlon, where she finished 3rd for English Schools before a few indoor long jump competitions. In January, Seren entered the England Athletics Under 20 Pentathlon really just for the experience, but ended up performing way above expectations and going on to win the entire event! After this win, she decided to enter the Under 18 Heptathlon at the Somerset Schools Combined Events Championships on April 30th and May 1st, with the aim of hitting 5200 points – in the end, she scored 5096 points, a 196 points Personal Best!
After this championship, Seren knew that selection for the European Champs was within reach, and along with coach Steve Shaw, decided to increase her training to six days a week (which would also simulate the American University system) including travelling to Cardiff to train with their senior combined event group. She entered the England Athletics Under 18 Heptathlon in Bedford at the end of May, and after two intense days of competition, knew that a 2.22 800m would secure the 5200 points. She kicked with 400m to go and ran a 2.19 PB to secure 5233 points.
Seren is currently ranked 14 in Europe after her selection, and travels out on Friday before competing on July 4th and 5th.