Shrewsbury School Athlete selected to represent Great Britain

Congratulations to Iris D (G, LVI), who will represent Great Britain in the 800m at the European Athletics Under 18 Championships, which is being held in Jerusalem from the 4th to the 7th July.

The Sixth Former goes into this Championship race having improved her personal best by over four seconds this season with a time of 2.04.44, ranking her top three in Europe and in the top 6 in the world for U18 800m.  

Iris said: “It is a dream come true to be selected for GB!  

I started this season with an outside chance of selection, based on my times last season. My coach, Colin Lancaster, has always helped me to believe in myself without ever applying any pressure. I have been training towards this moment and still cannot believe it is happening!  

“A strong cross-country season with the Hunt has definitely helped with my endurance. I am going into the Championships ranked third in Europe, with tiny margins separating us.  

“Racing in a Championships, with the best in Europe, will be a whole new experience. If I am fortunate enough to make it through the heat and semi to the final; this will be three races in four days. One of the most exciting jobs of the last couple of days has been ordering the GB kit; I cannot wait to be wearing this in Jerusalem and representing my country!” 

Director of Sport, Andrew Pembleton, added: “It is a remarkable achievement for Iris to be selected for the GB & NI U18 team that are going to the European Championships in July, and testament to her fantastic performances this season as she goes from strength to strength. 

It is always a very special moment to be able to represent your country – and I am sure that she will make the most of this latest opportunity.  I look forward to hearing how Iris gets on in Jerusalem! We are absolutely thrilled for her, and I am sure as she competes, she will be inspiring all of us back home!

Round one will take place on day one of the competition, July 4th in the Givat Ram Stadium in Jerusalem.  

Watch the video below to see Iris talk about her fantastic achievement.