The Outdoor Athletics Championships made a trip to a new venue in the form of the Manchester Regional Arena this year. Despite some typical Manchester weather, our athletes didn’t let it dampen their spirits.
The first BUCS record to fall at this year’s championships was early in proceedings on Sunday morning was thanks to a blistering quick run by last year’s Women’s 100m champion (bronze this year) Aleeya Sibbons from the University of Bath. That record was then bettered just hours later in the final by Sheffield Hallam’s Leonie Ashmeade to upgrade her bronze from just 12 months ago to a spectacular gold.
Paralympian Maria Lyle had a golden BUCS debut representing Edinburgh Napier, taking the Women’s 100m Ambulant crown before adding the 200m title. Another Paralympian Tom Young defended his 100m and 200m titles in fine fashion for the African Violet. Meanwhile, the University of Hull’s David Morgan-Harrison stormed home to also successfully defended his 100m title and complete the sprint double with 200m gold.
It didn’t take long for the first record to be smashed on the final day, and we mean smashed. Tom Mortimer broke a 38-year-old record on his way to a stunning 5000m win, beating last year’s winner Zakariya Mahamed in the process. In the women’s event, Abbie Donnelly came home ahead of Loughborough teammate Alex Millard to make it a golden sweep for the African Violet in the 5000m finals.
Over on the field, we saw two titans of their discipline take centre stage. Bekah Walton of Loughborough University took the championship record with a throw of 56.31 to retain her title. The star of university women’s shot put Serena Vincent now holds both the indoor and outdoor championship record with a throw of 16.44 in Manchester to add another BUCS gold to her collection.
After a memorable weekend of competition, there was a shade of purple who shone through the competition to reign supreme. With several stellar performances across track and field, Loughborough University were named the 2023 men’s, women’s, and overall team champions.
Another year, another weekend of the very best university athletes providing incredible drama and excitement. No matter the venue, no matter the students, there will always be something special about the BUCS Outdoor Athletics Championships.
Find the full results on the Roster app.
Watch the championships on YouTube here.
