Athletics is one of the purest of all sports, relying solely on the strengths of the human body rather than technological implements to improve performances. Rather than being one event Athletics can be considered as 16 different events (for visually impaired) each with their own specific physical and mental requirements. Running, jumping and throwing are the basis of most sports and also what make up these 16 events. In addition there is no need for a full team to turn up before you can compete. For many in athletics the competition is against themselves -to run faster, to jump higher and to throw further than they have ever done before.
Our coaches aim to prepare athletes with a visual impairment to do just that.
The programme of track and field athletics was adjusted on the 1st January 2002 and now men and women can compete in all the events in the list below:
100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m,5,000m, 10,000m. Marathon
4 x 100m, 4 x 400m, Long Jump, Triple Jump, High Jump, Shot, Discus, Javelin, Hammer
Pentathlon Men - Long Jump, Javelin, 100m, Discus, 1,500m.
Women - Long Jump,Shot,100m,Discus, 800m.
The only mainstream athletic events not in the list are the Hurdles, Steeplechase and Pole-vault.
Each year the National Senior and Junior squads hold training weekends so that the progress of the athletes can be monitored and help provided by Senior Coaches all of whom are experts in their fields. In general attendance at these weekends is open to anyone with a visual impairment who wishes to attend, however, we do ask you to contact us and let us know that you wish to attend so that we can prepare for your arrival with a suitable coach.
Many athletes simply wish to improve their fitness, measured by their improved performances in competition. We not only accept but encourage this approach to athletics. Not everyone can break world records and trying to beat your own times or distances is the best way to measure your improvement. But for those who feel that record breaking is what they want to do here are a few British Performers from the past who have managed British records.
Totally blind athletes:
• Andy Curtis 100m (11.73) 200m (23.89) 400m (52.56)
• Tracy Hinton 100m (13.16) 200m (27.40) 400m (61.19) 800 (2:17.66)
• Bob Matthews MBE 800m (1.59.6) 1500m (4.5.11)
• Robbie Latham Long Jump 6m06 (19ft 9")
• Robert Latham Triple Jump 12m85 (42ft 2")
• Kathy Welsby High Jump 1m42 (4ft 7")
Add to those the following excellent performances by partially sighted athletes:
• Noel Thatcher (B2) MBE 5000m 15.02.6 10,000m 32.09
• Steve Brunt (B2) MBE Marathon 2.35.43
• Mark Farnell (B3) Marathon 2.32.09
Many visually impaired athletes are multi-gold medalists in Paralympic Games. More over six of them have been awarded an MBE. They are Willie McLeod, Bob Matthews, Graham Salmon, Roy Smith, Steve Brunt and Noel Thatcher.
VI athletes don't just confine their running to the track, some like Bob Matthews compete in cross country events too.
