Olympic gold medallist Linford Christie came to Merton to see the next generation of sprinters at the Street Athletics event (Wednesday 11 July) where over 60 children took part.

60m races were held in Mitcham Town Centre for under 13, 15, 17 and 20s, with the top three from each category qualifying for the national finals in August, held in Manchester.

Not to be outdone, cabinet member for community and culture, Councillor Nick Draper with Councillor Agatha Akigyina and Reverend Mercy Wood joined in the racing fun finishing in a victory for the Reverend.

Street Athletics is a youth engagement programme set up for disadvantaged young people under 20, who are not engaged in mainstream sports.

Cabinet member for community and culture, Councillor Nick Draper said: “What a hero Linford Christie is for organising this national event, and what a great bloke when you meet him! The street Athletics event had a fantastic turn out and it was great to see so many lucky young people taking part. I’ll be keeping a close eye on the finals in August.”

ENDS