This in from the organising committee, in their own words. Ed
Kelly Sotherton, former Ryde High School pupil, and Olympic Bronze Medallist (2004) and Olympic 4th (2008), is hoping to compete as part of the Isle of Wight Team in the NatWest Island Games next month, joining fellow Isle of Wight athletes Darren Mew, Swimming, World Championship bronze medallist (1999, 2000), Commonwealth games silver medallist (1998, 2006) and Olympic finalist (2000, 2004), Richard Wilson, Shooting, Commonwealth Silver (2010), Andy Frost, Hammer, Commonwealth 4th (2006, 2010) and Kieran Page, Cycling, Commonwealth Games Finalist (2002).
Competing in Island Games since 1997
Kelly first competed in the Island Games in Jersey in 1997 where she won four individual Gold medals (100m, 100m Hurdles, Long Jump, High Jump) and was in both relay teams that won gold.
She then competed in the NatWest Island Games in Gotland 1999 where she won a further two individual gold medals in 100m and Long Jump a silver in the 200m and a further two bronze medals in the both relays.
With eight gold, one silver and two bronze, she is the most successful track and field athlete to have competed in the Island Games for the Isle of Wight.
A real boost for the team, says Manager
Nick Groocock, IW Athletics Team Manager said, “Having Kelly accredited for the team after all her international success is a real boost for us and the Games as a whole. She has retired from multi-eventing and has now focused on sprinting. She is currently a ‘UKA Podium Relay funded athlete’ and as such, has a very demanding schedule and I am keeping everything crossed that she will be here next month. It would be fantastic if the NatWest Island Games is part of a build up to this year’s World Championships and hopefully next year’s Olympics.”
Speaking to Nick, Kelly stated, “Depending upon race schedule I am keeping my fingers crossed that I can represent the Isle of Wight in the 100 and 200m at this year’s NatWest Island Games”.
249 Islanders taking part
Martin Goodall, IW General Team Manager said, “As well as these more established names there are a total of 249 Islanders who will take part in the 14 sports of the NatWest Island Games 2011, the biggest IW Team to date. They come from every corner of the Island and range from 14 to 67 years old.
“A good number of the team have taken part in regional and national competitions in their sport as well as previous Island Games but for many this will be their first Island Games and their first experience of international competition. The fact that these established names want to compete shows the high value they placed upon the Games as a stepping stone in their careers. I hope that somewhere amongst those competing this year will be someone who in the years to come will go on to Commonwealth, World or Olympic success as others have done in the past.
“Home support can make all the difference. Every one of the team is training hard in the run up to the games and will give 100% for themselves, their team mates and this Island during the Games Week. I am very confident that we will do well.”
Around 3000 athletes and officials from 25 islands around the world will be attending the NatWest Island Games, competing in a range of 14 sports over six days. The Isle of Wight Team is sponsored by Wightlink.
For further details about the NatWest Island Games 2011, visit the website
