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Guernsey’s women’s 100m record fell in another sign of intent ahead of the Island Games.
Abi Galpin lowered her own mark to 11.77s as she runs into form ahead of what is expected to be a competitive showdown over the distance at Footes Lane in less than two weeks’ time.
That it came in the second round of sprinting during the Aztec Track & Field series was even more pleasing.
There were notable performances all round, including Cameron Chalmers ducking under 47 seconds in the 400m with 46.76s, a race which also saw 400m hurdler Peter Curtis record a significant best over the flat with 47.73s.
Over the same distance, Becca Toll again lowered her PB (57.41s), pushed hard by Hannah Lesbirel.
Hammer thrower Sia Banbury was just 28cms off her best ever with 44.69m and will be a strong contender for gold comes Games week if that form continues.
In the jumps, wind-assisted efforts by Vicky Hancock in the long jump and Holly Drake in the triple jump indicated that both are in great shape, and they will take comfort from the consistency of their series.
Hancock also recorded a PB in the sprint hurdles (15.51s) and she chased team mate Rhiannon Dowinton (15.36s) all the way to the line.
Javelin thrower James Bougourd is building some momentum recording a season’s best 54.26m, while shot putter Steve Marley backed up his recent PB with another good mark.
On the track, Nix Petit continues to take chunks out of her 1500m best, lowering it to 4:41.57.
Galpin was delighted with the signs of form ahead of the Games and motivated by the fact there is more to come.
“I’m really happy that the times just keep chipping down and down. Hopefully by the time we get to the Games, especially in 100m, we'll get good conditions and can see a little bit more come off that time as well.”
Training has begun to really click it the last few weeks, she said.
“We knew I was in PB shape, but obviously there is quite a big difference between actually performing rather than just knowing that you can do it.”
She will line up against Sara Wiss from Aland in the 100m, who won gold over the distance in Guernsey 2003 as a teenager.
With both athletes running similar times this season, it promises to be a riveting race.
The track and field programme at the Island Games begins on Sunday 9 July with the women’s 100m final taking place at 8.20pm on Monday 10 July.
Pictured above: Abi Galpin racing last year at Footes Lane.
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