Leila Newth Breaks Records and Takes Top Honours for England

Written by Debra Booker

ESM’s Leila Newth has delivered back-to-back record-breaking performances, earning the award for the most outstanding girls’ performance at the Schools International Athletics Board (SIAB) meeting – just one week after claiming gold and breaking the championship record at English Schools.

Leila, who was the English Schools’ Junior Girls’ Long Jump Champion in 2024, stepped up this season to compete in the Intermediate Girls’ (Years 10–11) Triple Jump. She rose to the challenge with style, launching a personal best of 12.59m – smashing the previous English Schools record of 12.46m and winning gold by a full metre.

This achievement secured her place on the England team at the SIAB meet in Derby on 19 July. Competing in wet conditions, Leila again extended her PB to a massive 12.69m. This not only secured another gold medal but also set a new SIAB Championship record. Her performance earned her the prestigious David Littlewood Award for the best girls’ performance at the event.

Leila’s success is all the more remarkable considering she doesn’t turn 15 until August. An outstanding season so far sees her next compete, in her ESM vest, in the Long Jump and Triple Jump at the England Athletics Championships in Birmingham.