A talented trio of Bedford & County athletes claimed four silver medals between them in international competition last weekend.

Pride of place must go to Life Member Raphael Boujou, who was competing in the European Under 23 Championships for Holland where he now resides.

 He was one of the favorites for the !00m having run a world class time of 10.01 seconds in the semi-finals. However, a stumble out of the blocks cost him dearly. Despite rapidly closing down on the winner (Jeremiah Azu of Great Britain), he had to settle for silver in a still outstanding 10.18 seconds.

Two days later, Raph had a second opportunity for a medal in the final of the 200m. Coming strongly down the home straight, he was again catching the leader with every stride. To the naked eye it looked as if Raph had taken gold but the photo finish showed a time of 26.68 seconds to the winner’s 20.67 seconds.

Raph’s time of 10.01 was a new club record. How soon before Bedford has a sub 10 performer? and perhaps a sub 20 performer as well?

Meanwhile, Thaila Mason (Long Jump) and Lyla Danobrega (1500m Steeplechase) were representing England Schools in the four-sided international match in Scotland.

On her very first jump, Thaila exploded off the take too board and soared though the air to cut the sand at precisely 6 metres – a huge improvement on her previous best of 5.59 metres. . At first Thaila refused to believe that she had jumped that far, but recorded 5.91 metres in a later round to prove it was no fluke.

She held the lead for three rounds but had it snatched from her by Daisy Snell, also of England who jumped 6.05 metres

Thaila’s jump of 6 metres improved the U17 Club record previously held by Etienne Maughan.  

Not to be outdone, Lyla continued her outstanding season, which has seen her break club records on four previous occasions. She almost did it again! In a grueling race held in blustery conditions, she crossed the line in 5 minutes 6.53 seconds only 0.27 seconds behind her record set a fortnight earlier, whilst finishing second to her compatriot Ella Davey.

The duo’s successes helped England secure a massive win over teams from Scotland, Ireland and Wales.