Bradford students get Olympic Stadium privilege (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Bradford students get Olympic Stadium privilege

4:20pm Wednesday 9th May 2012 in Athletics By Simon Forde

Bradford University and College athletes took part in the official opening of the Olympic Stadium in Stratford last weekend.

The Bradford Academy team entered the British Universities & College Sports athletics championships for the first time.

Former Czech sprint champion and coach Ilona Melounova led a team of sprinters who have been training four times a week under her tutelage.

Irishman Patrick O’Flaherty got an excellent reaction-time to lead off in the 200m heats but was quickly hauled in by Wolverhampton’s David Lima (21.82sec), still recording a personal best of 25.80sec.

First-year student Adedapo Ogunjimi had a lifetime experience, competing in a heat won by Judah Simpson (Middlesex) in 10.73 – who went on to reach the final won by international Harry Aikines-Aryeetey (Loughborough) in 10.42sec.

The sport is the poorer for losing one of its most popular local characters, Arthur James (Eccleshill Road Runners).

Arthur died in his sleep on Sunday night and was discovered when he failed to turn up for a physio appointment next morning.

Many saw him at Wednesday’s John Carr race and at the Bradford Park Run on Saturday.

He was planning to do all three John Carr races, the last of which would have been on his 77th birthday.

This Saturday’s Park Run in Lister Park will honour him.

Organiser Linda Bussey said: “Arthur was the most wonderful man whose motto was ‘run because you can’.

“He supported and encouraged everyone. There will be a minute’s applause before the Park Run and a collection for Marie Curie Cancer Care, which is the charity that Arthur volunteered and raised money for.”

Another regular said: “We want lots of colour and particularly yellow vests and daffodils on Saturday. Let’s reflect the brightness and colour that Arthur brought into our lives.”

The competitive, fast course for the John Carr 5k series at Esholt drew 318 runners.

Performance of the day was Otley’s Rachael Bamford in 16min 37sec for 20th position.

The race was won by Rothwell’s Paul Marchant in 15:35, while Simon Pass (Saltaire; 13th in 16:15) broke his club’s long-time course record.