THE borough of Lewisham supplied the star quality for the London team which went to the Don Valley track in Sheffield last week to compete in the English Schools’ Athletic Championships.

In front of a packed stadium built to house the World Student Games in the early 1990s, the Lewisham pupils excelled themselves by winning all the four gold medals credited to London.

Outstanding among those victories and easily voted the performance of the meeting, was that of James Ellington, who is 18 and attends Forest Hill School.

He bettered his career best by a full half-second as he sprinted to gold in the 200 metres in 21.08 seconds.

As a senior boy, this remarkable time puts him in the top 10 ranking among the senior men!

Also from Forest Hill School and making his first appearance at this level was 14-year-old Alex Simms.

He too lowered his personal best when clocking 11.41 in the 100m but just missed out for a place in the final.

However, his moment of glory came in the 4x100m relay, when he ran the outstanding leg of the squad. Taking over the baton in third position, he hauled in the leaders to hand over in firstst place and then watched his team-mates hold on for gold.

Haberdashers Askes were well represented, particularly in the field events.

Making her debut at this level was Shani Rainford, who took gold in the intermediate girls’ high jump with 1.71 metres.

Also from Askes was Jay Thomas who, at 14, is already performing like a professional. Despite a shoulder injury, he demolished the opposition in the shot, winning by a clear 3.5 metres with a putt of 16.84, although it was well short of his lifetime best of 18 metres.

He has until his birthday in October to find the extra few centimetres to take the long standing National record. Meanwhile, he is preparing for the return to the Don Valley next month when the AAAs hold their schools’ championships.

Other memorable efforts were made by the duo from Malory School.

Sosthene Yao, who is 16, improved his time in every round of the intermediate boys’ 100m, but despite a personal best of 11.08 he missed out by just two hundredths of a second for a place in the final.

Schoolmate Michael Makasi, also 16, learned a harsh lesson after leading from start to finish and winning his heat in the 800m with a staggering 1:59.7.

Officials ruled he had broken too early in the first back straight and, consequently, was disqualified. Undaunted, he goes to the AAAs in the knowledge that he has every chance of securing a place in the under-17 800m final.

Askes had one more card up their sleeve in the form of 14-year-old Lucky Garba, who reached the final of the junior boys’ long jump with a meritorious 5.77m.

Completing the Ladywell Arena-based Kent AC’s contingent was 17-year-old Shaun Mulligan who, despite severe pain from a badly bruised heel, ran the race of his life in the final of the senior boys’ 400m hurdles. His time of 56.7 ensures he too will return to the Don Valley for the AAA Schools’ Championships in August.

Ken Pike, senior coach for Kent AC, said: “I am delighted and extremely encouraged by the dedication and enthusiasm shown by all the youngsters who took part. This has been without doubt the best ever result for the club.”