Regis Shatters Records at Novuna UK Athletics Indoor Championships
Renee Regis made headlines at the Novuna UK Athletics Indoor Championships, shattering records and delivering impressive performances. The event took place in Birmingham and featured a packed schedule with 18 finals.
Renee Regis’s Remarkable Performance
Regis, representing Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers, showcased her exceptional talent in the women’s 200m. In the semi-finals, she set a championship record with a time of 22.89, marking the third-fastest time ever by a British woman indoors. She followed this up with a winning time of 22.95 in the finals, leaving the competition behind. Her fellow competitors included Hannah Brier, who earned silver with a time of 23.37, and Brooke Ironside, who secured bronze with 23.92.
Reflecting on her performance, Regis said, “I didn’t expect to run that fast in the semi-final. My coaches told me to hit it and commit, so that’s exactly what I did.” A sentimental moment occurred when her father, John Regis, a former world champion, presented her with the gold medal.
Jeremiah Azu Shines in Men’s 200m
Jeremiah Azu added to his accolades by winning the men’s 200m final with a personal best run of 20.77. His strong performance from lane six helped him maintain a lead throughout the race. Initially, Ezekiel Lowe finished second, but he was disqualified for a lane infringement. Lee Thompson was later awarded silver, clocking 21.34, and Corey Nealon-Richards took home bronze with 21.63.
Azu expressed his ambition by stating, “It’s an honour to win medals nationally and race the best in the UK.” He is preparing for the upcoming World Indoors competition.
Record-Breaking Events
Women’s 3000m Final
- Winner: Hannah Nuttall (8:41.76)
- Silver: Katie Snowden (8:46.09)
- Bronze: Eloise Walker (8:48.45)
Nuttall’s remarkable time broke a long-standing championship record set by Jo Pavey 24 years ago. Reflecting on her achievement, Nuttall said, “The record just came with it, I guess.”
Men’s 1500m Final
- Gold: Jack Higgins (3:38.12)
- Silver: James McMurray (3:38.36)
- Bronze: Henry Jonas (3:38.39)
Higgins won in a thrilling finish, with just milliseconds separating him from McMurray and Jonas.
Field Events Overview
- Men’s Shot Put: Scott Lincoln won with a throw of 20.80m.
- Women’s Shot Put: Serena Vincent took the title with 17.33m.
- Men’s Long Jump: Alessandro Schenini won with a jump of 7.53m.
- Women’s Triple Jump: Georgina Forde-Wells secured her title with a jump of 13.53m.
- Men’s High Jump: Joel Clarke-Khan claimed victory at 2.19m.
The Novuna UK Athletics Indoor Championships held in Birmingham showcased remarkable talent and record-breaking performances. Athletes like Renee Regis and Jeremiah Azu have set the stage for future competitions, including the upcoming World Indoors.
