Antonio sets new personal bests

Haileybury athlete Antonio Infantino competed in the England Athletics Under 15 and Under 17 Championships at the Don Valley Stadium last weekend, running a lifetime best in the 100m on Saturday to win silver in 10.60 s.

He won his heat comfortably and then ran yet another personal best in the semi-final in 10.55s. Although this was just over the legal wind speed, he went into the final as the fastest qualifier but, after one of his competitors false started twice and was disqualified, he was left in the blocks and was beaten into second place by his training partner.

On Sunday he took part in the 200m and, going into the first of the two semi-finals feeling very confident. He had a great start and was leading as soon as he came off the bend and won in a lifetime best of 21.28s – half a second ahead of his nearest competitor and a fraction off of the championship record.

He went into the final as clear favourite and expectations in the stadium were high for him to break the record. After a perfect start, he was already leading on the bend when he collapsed with cramp in his hamstring. His physiotherapist indicates it is not a tear and he should be able to compete next week in Coventry at the UK School Games, where he will be representing Haileybury and the East of England. This will be televised by Channel 4.

If fit the following week, he will go to Birmingham to the National Young Athletes League final (Undre 17), then the Under 20 Men’s National League final. He is also due to participate in the Under 20’s Men European Club finals in the Czech Republic.

Good luck, Antonio!