Three Brunel University London students will compete for Team GB after securing gold, silver and bronze medals at their first national decathlon event of the year.
David Hall, Thomas Howlett and Mark Cryer took first, second and third spots respectively at the National Under-23s (u23) Championships in Sheffield. The trio will now face France and Spain’s top u23 athletes on 24th and 25th January.
The weekend will be a gruelling two-day challenge at Nogent-sur-Oise in France, combining a 100 metres sprint, 400m and 1,500m races, long jump, shot-put, high jump, 110m hurdles, discus, pole vault and javelin.
Mark and Thomas combine their training with studying Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences, while David studies Physiotherapy at Brunel.
Mark, also Brunel men’s track and field captain, said: “Being selected to represent my country is always an honour, but this time means so much to me because I have been plagued with injuries. I didn’t think I could reach this level of performance again. To be joined by two of my training partners and fellow Brunel students in Team GB makes it all the more special. The result says everything about Brunel as a great place to study and train.”
Thomas added: "I'm incredibly happy to have achieved what I did as it's my first year as an u23. I just wanted to use the competition for experience but to medal and get selected for Team GB is an ideal start to the season. Next goal is to break 7,000 points.”
David, celebrating his gold, said: "It's a great start to the season. I'm always proud to represent my country. I hope this will be a stepping stone to the European u23s outdoors later this year."