Congratulations to all who took part in the World Youth Games on behalf of the Isle of Wight. This in from the council, in their own words. Ed
The Isle of Wight has tasted overall success at the World Island Youth Games in Sardinia. The competition, which was held on the Italian island between 23 – 26 May, saw the Isle of Wight bring home a record-equalling nine medals.
This is made up of three gold medals, three silvers and three bronze medals.
Six medals between two athletes
Two Isle of Wight athletes came home with six medals between them. Harrison Curling won silvers in the 3000m and the 1500m and secured a bronze in the 800m, with swimming winning their first ever medals, after Izabella Blacklock won golds in the 100m backstroke and the 50m backstroke. She also picked up a silver in the 200m backstroke.
Elsewhere, Charlotte Skeggs won gold in the high jump, Thomas Newnham won bronze in the 2000 steeplechase, and Kieran Phillips won bronze in the hammer throw. The medal haul saw the Isle of Wight finish ninth overall which was the team’s best ever team placing.
“Every athlete performed at their best”
Lee Matthews from the council, who was part of the management team in Sardinia said; “Every athlete performed at their best and many also recorded personal-best performances. To come home with nine medals against some very good international athletes is an excellent achievement. The whole team, and the Isle of Wight as a whole, can be proud of their efforts.”
Council leader David Pugh said; “I offer my congratulations to all members of the team. Before they flew out I said I was looking forward to the team bringing home many medals and they have not disappointed.
“Once again our performances demonstrate that the Isle of Wight has some very good sports men and women coming through and I look forward to more success next year.”
The nine medals won by the team equals the Isle of Wight’s performance at the 2010 World Youth Games.
Image: A (L – R) Izabella Blacklock, Harrison Curling, Tom Newnham, Kieran Phillips, Charlotte Skeggs
