Rio 2016: Sky Scholars finish Olympics preparation with run-out at London Anniversary Games
By Mark Ashenden
Last Updated: 24/07/16 4:37pm
Holly Bradshaw and Mark English competed in their final competition at the weekend before they head to Rio for the Olympics.
The Anniversary Games in London hosted some of the world's top athletes with the Brazilian Games just over two weeks away and was the perfect stage for the Sky Academy Sports Scholars to show off their talent.
While Olivia Breen clocked a personal best in the T38 100m, 800m runner English and pole vaulter Bradshaw were in action in the Diamond League event at a packed Olympic Stadium.
The 23-year-old Irish star English, recently featured in a TV doc on Sky Sports, continues to show great form after recently returning from a three-month absence because of a broken foot.
Frenchman Pierre-Ambroise Bosse won the 800m ahead of Canada's Brandon McBride and Diamond Race leader Ferguson Rotich, as English finished eighth but it was still a fine effort in a world-class field.
After clocking a season's best 1 minute 45.36 seconds, he said: "I'm back in the 1:45 territory. I'm on the way up and ready for Rio! And as always, a pleasure to race at the Anniversary Games."
GB's top vaulter Bradshaw was another athlete going up against some fierce rivals with Katerina Stefanidi leaping 4.80m to beat off Yarisley Silva and Eliza McCartney.
The 24-year-old Bradshaw, based in Cardiff with the guidance of coach Scott Simpson, was fourth thanks to a first time clearance at 4.52m, but she was slightly deflated after failing to clear 4.62m.
"It wasn't the best performance from me," Bradshaw said. "I don't really know what happened because the conditions were really good.
"I wanted to try and make the most of the opportunity. It is disappointing because it is my last competition before Rio.
"I'm still in a better place than I was going into the Beijing World Championships, so I have got to take the positives and work on a few things."
The Olympics run from August 5-21.
WHAT'S COMING UP FOR OUR SCHOLARS
July 23-24: Quillan Isidore, British BMX Round 9&10, Blackpool
July 30: Lucy Garner, Ride London
