Hamstel Heat Up the Track with Podium Finish!

On what proved to be the hottest day of the year, Team Hamstel turned up the temperature even more with a series of blistering performances at the KS1 Borough Sports held at Garons Park. Twenty spirited Year 2 athletes laced up their trainers, ready to represent Hamstel with pride, passion and perseverance.

The event opened with the ever-tricky Skipping Relay. The girls' team – Kiah, Luna, Ivy, Dahlia, and Nylah – started strongly and were leading the pack until a tangle with the long rope gave a few teams the edge. But Nylah powered through, securing 4th place and a well-earned place in the final. The boys – Zach, Theo, Alfie, Jacob, and Josh – had their own drama, as Zach stumbled at the start but leapt to his feet and led a brilliant recovery, earning their spot in the final too.

In the finals, both teams were sensational. The girls ran a flawless race and stormed into 2nd place, while the boys surged through the pack with grit and determination to take a well-earned 3rd place.

The energy was electric!

The next event was the Sprint Relay, and the girls – Nylah, Lennie-Grace, Imogyn, Kiah, and Dahlia – continued their strong form, qualifying first in their heat. In an exceptionally tight final, they just missed out on a top three finish, finishing 4th overall. The boys – Alfie, Kayden, Theo, Zach, and Marley – ran well, but a slightly slow changeover in a very close heat saw them finish 5th, just shy of the final.

Then came one of the most entertaining events of the day: the Space Hopper Relay. For the girls, Ava, Ella, and Treasure joined Lennie-Grace and Luna for their first race of the day. The team bounced to victory in their heat, and in the final, Luna’s incredible speed brought them within a hair’s breadth of the win – settling for a fantastic 2nd place finish. The boys – Arthur, Iyaaz, Noah, Josh, and Marley – delivered one of the day’s most commanding performances. After winning their heat with ease, they dominated the final, finishing before most other teams had even begun their last leg. It was a phenomenal first-place finish!

Up next was the Egg and Spoon Relay, always a tricky test of balance and patience. Unfortunately, the event lived up to its reputation, with both teams struggling to keep the eggs aboard. The girls finished 8th in their heat, and the boys came 5th, narrowly missing out on a place in the final.

Finally, the grand finale: the thrilling 10x70m Relay. All ten girls – Kiah, Dahlia, Ava, Luna, Ivy, Treasure, Ella, Lennie-Grace, Imogyn, and Nylah – took part. They won their heat in style, with smooth changeovers and fast feet. The boys – Zach, Kayden, Iyaaz, Jacob, Noah, Josh, Arthur, Theo, Alfie, and Marley – matched the feat, also securing a confident heat win.

The finals did not disappoint. The girls ran their hearts out, with one minor slip on a baton changeover meaning Nylah had too much ground to make up – but she still powered through to take a brilliant 2nd place. The boys had a similar story; a mistimed handover left Marley with a chase, and he flew down the final stretch, just running out of track as they also finished a magnificent 2nd.

Then came the moment of truth – the overall standings. As places were announced from 14th upwards, excitement built with every number not called. Finally, to huge cheers and beaming smiles, Hamstel were crowned 3rd place overall! Imogyn and Josh proudly stepped up to collect the trophy as the whole team celebrated their well-deserved success.

Every athlete gave their all, showing resilience, teamwork, and sheer determination in the blazing sun. From fast feet to fearless bouncing, it was a day to remember.

A huge well done to Team Hamstel – and a massive thank you to all the supporters who cheered the children on all afternoon. You were brilliant!