Molly timed out
Reporter: Youth sport: athletics
Date published: 15 June 2009
Molly Sharples
TIME ran out for Oldham-born Molly Sharples when the 12-year-old athlete travelled all the way from Farnham, Surrey, to represent Oldham at the Greater Manchester Athletics Association Championships.
The former pupil of Thornham St. James Primary School, Royton, qualified for both the 800 metres and 150 metres finals at Longford Park, Stretford.
But the competition was running so far behind (nearly three hours) that, in view of the four-hour journey back home, Molly had to leave after the 800m final and couldn’t wait for the 150m final.
In the 800m heats, Molly had the second fastest time out of the 20 under-13s athletes (2:34.4) and went on to take bronze in the final - a notable achievement considering she has only been running competitively since last September.
Molly moved from High Crompton to Farnham in August 2005 and now runs for the Aldershot, Farnham & District Club. But, according to mum Michelle, her heart still belongs to Oldham and she qualified to represent the Borough in Manchester by virtue of place of birth.
Three members of Oldham and Royton Harriers also showed up well at the Stretford event.
Adam Howard won the 1,500m boys under-15s in 4:30.90 while there were silver medals for Jack Cooke (200m under-15s in 24.36) and Bradley Szakacs (under-17s 400m in 52.26).
