The weather was bleak with rain and wind, but fortunately it was not enough to dampen the spirits of the five Chepstow athletes who travelled to the Alexander Stadium, Birmingham for the National Prep Schools Athletics Championships.

Inspired by the venue which had hosted the Olympic trials the previous weekend, the pupils of St. John's certainly gave their best and performed admirably in what has been a rather disappointing athletics season due to the poor weather.

Toby Haines, the youngest of the St. John's athletes was the first track competitor and certainly seemed to enjoy his debut performance on a 400m track, courageously completing a 3 track circuit in a very respectful time of 5:22 minutes to secure 4th place in his graded final race.

Following this positive start, Year 8 pupil Amelia Reynolds ran her 100m heat. Completing the sprint in an amazing time of 13.27 seconds, she cruised home to victory to secure her place in the final.

The 200m heats followed next with representation from two St. John's Year 8 pupils. Jacob Critchley ran a personal best of 27.4seconds, which was unfortunately just a fraction away from qualifying for the final. Amelia continued her success in the 100m and ran the 200m heat in a time of 27.30 seconds which clinched her place in the final and the opportunity to compete for the sprint double title.

Increasing the distances, Emma Johnsey Smith and Carwyn Penny ran in the 300m and 800m races respectively. Both ran determined, sensible races to finish a commendable 10th and 11th.

With a strong field of competitors hungry for the 100 and 200m championship, Amelia Reynolds faced a formidable task to defend her title.

With all eyes upon her to do the double once more her calm yet determined approach was invaluable as she stepped up to the mark in the 100m final. Despite being pushed to the last 50m, Amelia then cruised home to victory in an even faster time of 13.15 seconds equalling the record she set last year.

In the 200m final Amelia looked comfortable right from the start and was never really within catching distance from the start of the race. Her time of 27.31 seconds brought her home to victory to secure her 100m and 200m National Prep Schools Athletics Champion title.

Mrs Michelle Coleman, athletics coach at St. John's said: "We are all delighted with this fantastic achievement. Congratulations to the St. John's team, who were a credit to themselves and the school with their performance both on and off the track."