Clee's Patrick leaps to national glory

ONE of Lincolnshire's top young athletes has been crowned national indoor Under-17 high jump champion after leaping a personal best of 1.95m in Birmingham.

Patrick Jowett, from Gayton-le-Marsh, near Louth, secured the title after beating off competition from 15 other athletes – including the top 10 ranked competitors in the country.

The championships, held at the National Indoor Arena, in Birmingham, was his first major championship.

Jowett, who competes for Cleethorpes AC, said: "Coming into the event my personal best was 1.90m.

"I was hoping for a top-six finish and a new personal best.

"My preparation went really well. I got a new PB clearing 1.92m and then went on to clear 1.95m.

" I am really pleased with my performance – to get a new best and the Gold medal is great."

Jowett, who attends Alford Grammar School, said the support he has gained from both his school and club has been the foundation to his success.

He said: "I have got a lot to thank my coach and my club for.

"Also, my school has been supportive and given me time to train during my PE lessons which has a lot to do with my improvement this year."

Jowett will now launch into six weeks of hard late-winter training to get him ready for the outdoor season.

His coach, Heidi Bradley, said "I am so proud of Patrick.

"We have worked together for four years, and this has really shown how hard work can pay off.

"Patrick's attitude and commitment to his training and the sport is second to none.

"When he is not training himself, he loves to help the younger ones, which is great as he is a fantastic role model to them."

Bradley received her own good news a few weeks ago when she was contacted by the national coach mentor for high jump, Graham Ravenscroft, who has offered to mentor her.

She said: "The opportunity to work with Graham is fantastic. I am learning so much from him, which I can pass on to my athletes and other coaches in the area."

Jowett is a member of the Lincolnshire Elite Athlete Programme (LEAP) run by the Lincolnshire Sports Partnership.

As part of the LEAP Programme, Patrick will receive mentoring and courses to gain an understanding about being an elite athlete, and funding from Lincolnshire Sports Partnership and Lincolnshire County Council.

Janet Inman, of the Lincs Sports Partnership, said: "Patrick has a promising career ahead of him and we're looking forward to seeing him develop further."