Amber Anning runs a championship record 50.16 to win the 400m, while Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson advances ahead of the final and Matt Hudson-Smith takes the men’s title in 44.45.
Amber Anning and Matt Hudson-Smith won the 400m titles in style, but Keely Hodgkinson’s late withdrawal due to a tight hamstring dominated the British Athletics Championships in Nowuna on Sunday (June 21).
The Olympic 800m champion did not want to take any chances with two big races in Eugene, London, with the European Championships in Birmingham on the horizon.
He appeared upset and in tears as he made the tough decision to scratch just moments before the race was due to start at the Alexander Stadium.
“I didn’t feel like I was 100% on the starting line, so I made the tough decision to walk away and not compete. I didn’t want to risk anything before this summer.”
Hodgkinson, of course, would struggle to make the podium in his secondary event. In his absence, British record holder Anning ran a championship record of 50.16.
Anning said: “It was a tough race. The girls really pushed me, it wasn’t easy you have to fight for the line, I’m glad I was able to get the job and it’s consistent, which is what I’ve been running for this year.
“So I’m in good shape, I’ve got a few things to work on, but I’m happy with both the heat and the end result.”
Yemi Mary John has enjoyed a brilliant season so far but couldn’t quite match Anning here as she ran 50.23 for second place as Charlotte Heinrich was third in a fine 50.58.
Hudson-Smith won the men’s race in 44.45 and might have beaten Ivan Thomas’ long-standing championship record of 44.36 had he not weakened in the final metres.
Surprise package Ben Jeffries finished second with 44.66 and Charlie Dobson third with 44.69.
“I missed last year because of the birth of my daughter so it was good to come back and get the British Championship title back,” Hudson-Smith said. “I wanted to make a statement about the Europeans, the diamond leagues, to show that I’m back. It’s set me up well for the rest of the summer.”
Alastair Chalmers produced a dramatic men’s 400m hurdles winner in 49.05, then celebrated with his newborn son on the track.
Josh Faulds (49.36) and Jake Minshull (49.38) claimed minor medals with Seamus Derbyshire fighting back to fourth despite hitting the barriers and losing his balance in the first 150m.
Defending champion Tyree Donovan also fell as he entered the home straight and was unable to finish as doctors and athletes went to check he was OK.
After winning his sixth national title, Chalmers said: “We just had a baby so I haven’t worked out all week. I was just crossing my legs, I crossed the 10th barrier and walked to the line. I’m just excited, it’s a big day for me, my first Father’s Day, so I just wanted to take it.”
Emily Newnham sealed her European championships here in August with a big victory in the women’s 400m hurdles. Clocking 54.50, she beat Haley McLean by more than two seconds.
“It’s such a relief to be honest,” Newnham said. “I have mentioned one of the big goals of this year. The British champs bring a different kind of pressure because it’s the expectations you have of yourself, but I’m so grateful for the European Under-23 champs last year because it was like wanting to win and believing in myself, so I’m glad I’ve had experiences to help me in championships like this.”
