THREE Oaklands College athletes are being tipped as future stars for Team GB after picking up medals at the Welsh Athletics Indoor International.
Reece Prescod, 17, won gold in the 200m, recording a time of 21.97, +0.35 ahead of the silver medallist; Ojie Edoburon took gold in the 60m clocking a time of 6.87, a new personal best for the 16-year-old; and Euan Dickson-Earle, 16, earned a bronze in the 60m hurdles.
The college also had success at the AAA at Birmingham’s NIA in February. Prescod won another gold, Edoburon silver and Dickson-Earle bronze in their respective events. Kyle Langford added to Oaklands’ medal haul with a bronze in the 800m.
Frances Slater and Jatila Reavil-Blake also had good outings, finishing seventh and eighth respectively in the women’s 60m final.
Oaklands’ athletics academy coach, Ryan Freckleton, believes Prescod, Edoburon, Dickson-Earle, Langford, Reavil-Blake and Slater will go on to represent Great Britain at senior level.
He explained Oaklands’ focus on individual progression is behind the recent successes.
“When they come to us they haven’t lived being a full-time athlete. Our programme introduces a university structure at a younger age so they can get a good transition from youth to senior standard.
“These successes are proof that it works.”
Oaklands is the only full-time academy in the country, getting in specialists to train its athletes alongside the college’s own team of day-to-day coaches. The college offers an open door policy and is keen to help athletes develop. If you are interested, submit an online application (www.oaklands.ac.uk) to arrange an interview to discuss your options.
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