Gold fest for Epsom's Richards (From Kingston Guardian)

Gold fest for Epsom's Richards

9:00am Thursday 17th May 2012 in Sport By Ben Baker

It might not have been perfect but there was still no wiping the smile off Epsom’s Shona Richards’s face after she claimed double gold at the Sainsbury’s School Games earlier this month.

The 16-year-old triumphed in both the 300m hurdles, in 43.89 seconds, and the 300m relay in one of the first competitions to be held at the Olympic stadium in Stratford.

Despite not being completely happy with her individual race, the Rosebery School pupil admitted she would not be forgetting her time in the Olympic venue any time soon.

“I am really pleased with winning the 300m title, especially since I won twice with the relay as well,” said Richards.

“To be honest, although I won the 300m I am not too happy with how I ran but it was the first race of the season so I can’t complain.

“My strides just weren’t quite right and time wise I was a bit out between hurdles but I am just so happy to have won the gold.

“It was the first race of the School Games which meant I was one of the first up in the Olympic Stadium which was crazy.

“It was amazing to win in the stadium and it just felt so weird but so good.”

Richards followed up that success by winning the 200m, 300m and 300m hurdles at the Surrey Championships last weekend.

The Sainsbury’s 2012 School Games was held at the Olympic Park from 6-9 May 2012.

Visit 2012schoolgames. com for more information.