More than 70 paralympic athletes from nine nations took part in the Knowsley Disability Athletics Challenge.
And it proved to be a record-breaking weekend with one world record and over 20 personal bests being recorded.
The two-day event was held in the superb facilities of Kirkby Sports College on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd May to facilitate athletes posting early qualification marks for the 2011 International Paralympic Committee (IPC) World Athletics Championships, in Christchurch, New Zealand.
For one athlete in particular, 17-year-old Hannah Crockroft from Halifax, the event proved even more memorable than most.
Hannah, set a new world record in the 400m wheelchair race with a time of 1.05.51; shaving two seconds off the previous world record of set in 2002.
Cllr Eddie Connor, Cabinet Member of Leisure, Community and Culture said: “To have a world record set right here in Knowsley is incredible.
"I am thrilled we are able to provide an opportunity for athletes to achieve qualifications for a major international event on our home soil.
“This is a fantastic tribute to the world class facilities that we have here in the Borough, and I hope we can continue to host such major events, for both the local community and elite athletes in the future.”
Kirkby Sports College was chosen to host the event due to its super fast six lane Mondo athletics track - the fastest surface currently used in track and field in the world.
The event saw personal best’s from GB Shelly Woods (400m), Micky Bushall (800m), Dan Lucker (100m, 200m and 800m) and Stephanie Reid (Long Jump) whilst day two saw personal bests from GB’s David Weir (200m) and USA’s Amanda McGory (5000m).
For more information on the challenge or for information on local athletic clubs in Knowsley contact 0151 443 3865/5894.
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