Esme O’Connell has been achieving great things in a Dacorum and Tring vest for a long time now. So we were all rooting for her when she took part in the Müller Grand Prix in Gateshead
With the event being staged in Britain instead of its original venue of Morocco, and coming ahead of the World Para Athletics European Championships in Bydgoszcz early next month and the Paralympic Games in Tokyo later this summer, it was always going to be an event to watch.
Competition promised to be stiff, with Paralympic and world 100m champion Sophie Hahn taking part along with other internationals including Faye Olszowka, Sophie Kamlish, Hetty Bartlett and Maria Lyle.
Esme, the youngest athlete in the field, was unfazed by the competition and strong headwind and finished will in 13.82, a close second to Sophie Hahn (in 13.31).
After the race Esme said “I’m very happy that I’ve come second. It was very windy and I was very nervous and I hope to get better towards the Paralympics. This was my first proper big event and it was a little overwhelming.>
Well done Esme!!
