International Bronze and Silver medals for Leila Newth

Report by Debra Booker

ESM’s Leila Newth gained her second England call-up of 2025, competing at the Schools International Athletics Board (SIAB) Combined Events Final. Teams of 4 athletes, selected from the home nations and Ireland, contested the indoor pentathlon at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow on 6 December.

In a change to the usual order, the competition began with the shot put. Competing against athletes almost two years older, and in her least favoured discipline, Leila opened strongly with a throw of 10.19m, close to her personal best, placing her in 10th place.

She quickly made up ground in the 60m hurdles, recording a PB of 9.11s, an ESM record, before producing another lifetime best in the long jump. Her leap of 5.88m not only extended her existing ESM U17 record but also moved her up to fourth place overall. A solid 1.60m clearance in the high jump saw her hold that position going into the final event.

With fewer than 100 points separating third to sixth place, the concluding 800m was a thrilling contest. Setting off at a strong pace, Leila steadily reeled in her rivals, overtaking competitors around her and closing the points gap on those ahead. She finished in a time of 2:28, a huge effort at the end of a demanding day. Her final total of 3,689 points was another lifetime best and another ESM record. It also secured Leila an International individual Bronze medal, and Silver medals for the England team.

Following on from her England and UK gold medals, and SIAB championship records in the triple jump during the summer, this final result from 2025 significantly exceeded Leila’s goals for the year. Focus now returns to winter training within Dave Johnson’s coaching group, as she builds towards an exciting 2026 season as an under-18 athlete.