Hurdling Bath alumni Alastair Chalmers and David King strike gold at 2020 Muller British Athletics Championships
Alastair Chalmers claimed his maiden senior title and David King completed a hat-trick of national crowns as University of Bath athletes past and present produced impressive performances at the 2020 Muller British Athletics Championships in Manchester.
Chalmers, who completed his Sports Performance studies this year, continued his excellent form during this shortened season by winning the men’s 400m hurdles final in 49.66 – the third time he had lowered his personal best this summer.
“To come out here and get the gold in a really high-class field of athletes feels just amazing,” said Chalmers, who was supported by a King Sporting Scholarship while combining study and sport.
“I had glandular fever last year, so to come back from that and keep running PBs this year is a dream come true. I have the best training partner in the world in my brother [fellow University of Bath alumnus Cameron] and I know I can run these times now, so I will be pushing for better next year.”
King, who also studied Sports Performance, successfully defended his 110m hurdles title on Friday in a time of 13.58 – he had also won British gold in 2017.
“It’s really special,” he said. “It’s been very strange this year but I’ve been working in America with a new coach and we have been able to consolidate some really good changes. I’m in pretty good shape and it was nice to come out here in Manchester, where the Olympic Trials are going to be next year, and run a good time.”
Another Bath graduate to earn a podium place over the weekend was Accounting & Finance alumna Rosie Clarke, who was runner-up in the women’s 3,000m steeplechase in a season’s best time of 9:46.31. Gold went to Aimee Pratt in the world’s fastest time this year.
Management with Marketing student Lauren Williams reached her first-ever senior British final after clocking 59.47 for third place in her women’s 400m hurdles heat. The Santander Sporting Scholar went on to finish fifth overall in 1:00.05.
5th at British Champs ✨ not meant to be today, but really proud to have made my first final in what has been a tough year! Huge thanks to everyone for their support 🥰 pic.twitter.com/XS3MQyAR4b
— Lauren Williams (@laurenwills_99) September 5, 2020
Click here to find out more about athletics at the University of Bath.
