by Manjit Singh (Coach Jit)
A bright outing at the Wings Cross Country turn into a disappointing day for one of our poster girls of JS Athletics. Indira Patel was undoubtedly in assailable lead in the under 17 category when she was disqualified for having a wrong turn. Well as the say, we in JS fashion will move on. The irony was that the stewards claim Indira made a wrong turn, the fact should be the leading steward on the bicycle should have follow the leader of the pack rather then the pack and after which they claim they will try to improve the marshalling process “Next Year.”
Disappoint aside, we had a very reasonable outing and in the Under 14 category, the runner up position when to Mia Hopkins in a time of 16.12 (4.6km). She seems to surprise us who’s just turning 13 but her industrious nature shows her character just in a 2nd race. Our another cute 13 years old workhorse Katia was never placed even though she was in the leading pack in the first 3km, she suffered a recurring calf injury and still manage to walk back to the finish line. Knowing her never to give an excuse she told Coach Jack, don’t worry it is a hiccup and will bounce back stronger.
In the Under 14 Boys section, the ever improving Ori Sade come in 10th position in a time of 14.25. He never fail to impress his detractors, he keeps working at his fitness unrelentingly. Even his basketball coach gives kudos to his resilient character and says “Everyday is an improvement with Ori.”
Next coming to our big boys, Valentin came in 29th position, the multi-talented sportsman who is aspiring to be a triathlete is also a mean hockey player. His punishing regime in sports is an example to many youngsters who are keen to embark in the field of sports. Last but not least, our own Jason who’s maturing and is helping as an assistant coach did remarkably well in the under 20 section by coming in 12th with a time of 17.14. He’s a quiet worker who’s juggling with school, training and working.
Mishaps do happen and only the people with strong mental attitude come out strong. All in all it was a decent showing filled with excitement and despair which is inevitable.