Chelmsford Athletic Club's Jordan Lau travelled to Blackpool at the weekend for the Home Internationals Schools Athletics Championships and returned with a silver medal.

Lau, 16, was second in the long jump with 6.89 metres, while the winner had a marvellous jump of 7.02 metres.

The previous week, at the English Schools Championships in Sheffield, Lau led the competition from his first jump with a distance of 6.93 metres but saved the best to the last attempt, with a leap of 7.21m, a distance longer than that achieved in the senior competition.

This is Jordan's best season by far and not only keeps him on track for his goal of reaching the 2008 Olympics but maybe gives him food for thought for the 2004 Olympics.

Catherine Howe, 15, also a member of Chelmsford Athletic Club, competing in the English Schools for the first time finished in a creditable sixth position in the high jump, clearing 1.65m which equalled her personal best.

This was invaluable experience for Catherine as she was competing as a first year inter girl and will qualify for that age group again next year.

Both athletes train at the new facilities at Melbourne Park Athletics Centre and agree that the excellent facilities have helped them to reach their high standards.

Silver star: Chelmsford Athletic Club's Jordan Lau, who won a silver medal at the English Scoools Athletics Championships in Blackpool.

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