Taylor Newell - July 2020 winner - voted by the club athletes Taylor, is a modest young man, who has always put a great deal of effort into reaching his goals throughout his athletic career. Consistent in turning up for training sessions. Displaying determination to work hard, to try and achieve results. In doing so he has become a role model for the younger athletes, and is supportive in encouraging them to believe in themselves and build their confidence, in the same way he had to at their age. A team player always willing to work with other club members, in competition events. An Ambassador for his generation, demonstrating compassion, respect towards his coaches, and peers. Taylor is a worthy candidate for The Jack Petchey Award. Some comments from fellow athletes... Deserved for his commitment and dedication to running even through injury. He is also an excellent role model to the younger members of the club. He trains hard and is always really focused. He is always happy and I hope I can be like him when I get older. Dedication and commitment to his running even through injury. Being an excellent role model to the younger runners.
Taylor NewellJuly 2020 Winner - Taylor Newell
Funminiyi Olajide - August 2020 Winner voted by the Club Athletes Funminiyi is a determined and driven young athlete who works extremely hard for all of her deserved success. Funminiyi has competed in many high-profile athletics competitions and proudly represented the club in these. She has won multiple youth medals against the best junior long jumpers in the country and while still an under 20 athlete she competed in the British indoor senior long jump championships earlier this year, finishing in an excellent 6th place, jumping a huge 6.14m, very close to her PB of 6.18m. Through her great attitude and success she has emerged as a fantastic role model to younger members of the club whom she encourages and gives plenty of advice to in her friendly manner. Some comments from fellow athletes... She is really helpful in many different aspects and she is very focused and determined. Because she is very hard working and pushes me to work hard too. She gives great advice on how to better my running technique. She is so friendly and kind, so so talented and so hard-working.
Funminiyi OlajideAugust 2020 Winner - Funminiyi Olajide
Jack Exley - October 2020 Winner voted by the club athletes A well-deserved award. Even from the early age of nine when he started his athletic journey with Thurrock Harriers Jack was very passionate about his running. Competing in both cross country and track. He is a very loyal, hardworking and continuously drives himself, and will always give encouragement to the others in his training group After coming out of Lockdown, when some events became available, Jack was not one to shy away, he proved to be a formidable, tough and resilient competitor, gaining two personal bests in the four and eight hundred metres. Jack is a commendable winner of the Jack Petchey award. Some comments from fellow athletes... Hardworking and supportive individual who continuously drives himself and others on. He had a great Thurrock champs with a PB. Also leaving college to get a job and still putting in effort for his training. Jack's a hardworking member of the group who is very tough and resilient. He's a fierce competitor who trains well and even studies his previous races to improve for next time, he's now very tough to beat in races! Jack sets a great example to younger members of the group and is very encouraging to all of the group in training.
Jack ExleyOctober 2020 Winner
Jayne Elvin - November 2020 Winner voted by the club athletes Athletes have endured unprecedented times this year, with Covid -19 restrictions. Many having ‘to go it alone’, in keeping fit in Lockdown. Jayne was determined not to miss out, on training during this period of uncertainty. Jayne’s mental strength was paramount, in her training regime, which culminated when limited events were allowed to go ahead. All the hard work she had put in, rewarded her with two consecutive personal best’s, a testimony of all her efforts. Jayne has a likable nature, still manages to raise a smile, even when the going gets tough. Jayne is a worthy winner of the Jack Petchey award. Some comments from fellow young athletes... Brilliant performances in a strange season including 2 back to back PBs. Determined and hardworking individual. She has been training all throughout lockdown and when races finally got put on she managed to show her hard work by getting 2 pbs. Always trains with a smile on her face and encourages all our athletes when they are training. Trains hard every session, trained really hard during lockdown and come out with 2 new pbs this year. Jayne is a hardworking individual who continues to get better and better as the sessions continue. Jayne shows passion and enthusiasm when it comes to her running. Was spent on : equipment
Jayne ElvinNovember 2020 Winner
Cathy James - Leader Award 2020 Cathy works tirelessly at Thurrock Harriers to ensure everything runs smoothly. She coaches many young athletes and gives them time and attention to help them develop as athletes and as people. Cathy does lots of organising of competitions at the club for young athletes and lots of committee and admin work to help make sure young athletes have the chance to compete and showcase their hard work. Cathy knows names of almost all young athletes at the club (there are around 140!) and is always there to provide support for young athletes. Some of the things that young athletes said about Cathy are: She is dedicated, supportive and never gives up on you I think Cathy should win as she gives up a lot of her spare time to train us, and pushes us to achieve our goals. She’s an amazing coach. She has so much passion for her athletes. Because she is a good coach and she is always pushing us to do our best. She always updates my parents on my progress. Because she is a good coach and encourages her athletes. Cathy goes above and beyond for our club. Because she is a vital member of the thurrock harriers committee. She is one of many in whom without the club would really struggle. She puts her free time into helping everyone and has been a really important motivational person to me since I was 9.
Cathy JamesLeader Award