The British Masters Heptathlon Championships were held in Sheffield last weekend, 14-15 July 2018. These championships take place on an annual basis where Great Britain’s finest Masters Heptathletes compete for the honour of being crowned the British Champion. That esteemed honour was awarded to Janet Dickinson BAC, British Champion.
Janet Dickinson, British Champion with Gold Medal
Dickinson set a new British Record for the w50 Heptathlon in the British Multi Events Championships at the two day event in Sheffield. The previous record stood for over 19 years. Dickinson’s total points exceeded Jean Fails excellent 19 year old record by an astounding 218 points. The new British Record now stands at 5163 points.
Janet Dickinson was all smiles after breaking the 19yr old British record.
Dickinson recorded new PB’s in 80m hurdles in a time of 13.78sec, 200m in 28.31 sec. These results rank Dickinson as GB’s current number 1 w50 in 80mH and number 2 over the 200m.
One of the biggest challenges arose on day two as Dickinson strived to overcome a painful knee. However, she managed to score well and keep the record challenge alive. Dickinson’s High jump was an SB of 1.37m, Long Jump 4.37m, Shot 9.06m and Javelin 26.20m. The gruelling last event, the 800m was again a different experience yet she came home in 2min 51sec and managed to remain standing afterwards.
Janet Dickinson collecting her Gold medal
The atmosphere was superb with a great spirit amongst the women competitors. It was a very efficiently and pleasantly run competition at an excellent facility. One competitor stated it was an honour to have competed with such great and welcoming group of athletes in the women’s heptathlon. It was especially great to have witnessed a new British record!
Janet Dickinson at Sheffield with Julie Wilson, winner of the British w55 Throws Pentathlon on Saturday before getting back in action on day 2 winning more Gold Medals.
Dickinson has been preparing well for this event and expressed how pleased she was to have broken the British Master v50 Heptathlon record which has stood for 19 years. During an exclusive interview with BAC, she commented on the brilliant support provided by her coach, Paul Rees, as well as the athletes and officials who helped her through the two days including some dodgy moments. The next big championship for Dickinson is the World Masters championships in Malaga in September and BAC wish her every success!
Janet Dickinson with coach, Paul Rees.