Newyddion
Schools Combined Events International 2025 - Wrap-Up
08/12/2025 00:00, I Mewn Blog /
A team of 9 plus 3 support staff made the journey to Glasgow on Friday. After settling in and the evening meal, there followed the customary team meeting led by Steve Jones, Phil Warwicker and Emily Thomas as well as passionate and heartfelt contributions from team captains Tiana Odugbesan (Blackwood) and Macsen Martins-Hughes (Glantaf).
Although depleted in terms of numbers, there is talent and potential in this group. The event saw a staggering 26 event personal bests set by Welsh athletes, as well as 7 points PBs , 4 top 10 finishes and 3 athletes breaking the 3000 points barrier. The impressive Emirates International Arena proved a fitting backdrop for a string of fine performances, well supported by the large contingent of family and supporters who had made the long journey north.
Battle commenced at 10:15 on Saturday morning, the Under 18 boys were the first on the track as they tackled the 60m Hurdles, all produced personal best performances with Macsen Martins-Hughes recording the biggest improvement, taking 0.40 seconds off his previous best. He followed this up with a second PB in the shot, a feat matched by both Cobie Phillips (Cowbridge) and Isaias Balde (St David’s College). The Long Jump saw yet another PB for Macsen as he broke the 6m barrier for another personal best of 6.54m. He went on to break the 3000 point barrier as he finished in 8th. place overall (3308 points). Team-mate Cobie finished in 10th. after 5 events (3249) with Isaias 15th (2811). All 3 produced new points personal bests as well as 13 event bests out of a possible 15.
The Under 16s also got underway with 60m Hurdles, following a big 9.38s PB in this first event, Will Corby (Haverfordwest High) rattled off a further 4 personal bests with 5.37m in long jump, 25.07s in the 200, 11.34 in the shot and a 2:19.53 in the 800m. There were two event bests from fellow debutant Ted Lancaster (Ysgol Rhydywaun) with a 10.25m in the shot, probably the most impressive. After a nervous start, which still produced a hurdles PB, but then 3 no jumps in the long jump pit had threatened to ruin his day. He showed great character to pick himself up and also record a PB in the 200m. Will finished in a creditable 10th place with Ted 14th.
There was another 3000+ score from our Under 18 girls captain as Tiana scored 3554 to earn the best individual finish in 7th place overall. This was after a blistering PB in the 60m hurdles in 8.80s, she was able to follow this up with 4 solid performances across the events despite not having fully recovered from a niggling injury. Tiana was well supported by Tabitha Ventress-Brett (Olchfa) with 2668 points earning her 13th overall.
The Under 16s also produced 2 new points personal bests with Sophie Piddington (Caldicot School) as she recorded 2833 points, which included a 5.14m long jump and a 10.01 60m hurdles (both new personal bests). Imogen Vecchi (Llantwit Major) recorded a new high jump best as she amassed 2622 points from her 5 events. Both girls were happy with new points score bests as they finished 12th and 14th respectfully.
Support for athletes on the day was provided by the coaching team and a small army of parents, grandparents, siblings and wider family members. Thanks go to all who worked tirelessly on the day to help and support our young athletes and produce another memorable visit to Glasgow.
Thanks also to the Welsh Athletics Performance Team, especially Rhys Williams and Bethan Davies, for the logistical help.
Steve Jones, WSAA.