Leila Newth Wins First Senior Medal at British Indoor Championships

Report by Debra Booker

On 15th February, only one week after winning triple jump gold in the U17 Age Group Championships, 15 year old Leila, the youngest competitor at the entire championships, hopped, stepped and jumped her way to a fabulous bronze medal and a new British U17 Record. Her superb 2nd round jump of 12.95m extended her PB from last weekend by 14cm, and is thought to be the 2nd best jump by an U18 in Europe this year.

Leila’s composure and performance was even more remarkable as it was her 1st competition in front of a large crowd, TV cameras and against significantly older and more experienced opposition.

A day to remember and be proud of for Leila, her family, her coach David Johnson, and all those who cheered her on wearing the green and yellow of ESM via iPlayer. The result marks a major step forward in Leila’s development, and sets an exciting marker as she looks forward to competing on the International stage later this year.