Athletics: English Schools star Brown can't wait to see back of big rival

The Chichester AC starlet posted a height of 1.69m to earn a place on the podium, as reported last week, while Somerset’s Grogan took the gold with 1.72m.

The result left Brown with a distinct feeling of déjà vu, having finished runner-up to the same opponent at the Aviva England Under-20 Championships last month.

But with Grogan set to move up to senior competition next year, Brown says she is confident of her chances of claiming gold in 2013.

“I’m pleased with my performance,” said Brown, who follows in some illustrious footsteps by claiming a medal at the English Schools – London 2012-bound Jess Ennis, Jack Green and Andy Turner having all started their careers at Aviva Athletics Academy schemes.

“I wanted to win but I didn’t jump my best, so to still get the silver is good. I also came second at the nationals back in June, which was pleasing.

“Evie goes up a year next year, so freedom at last! Hopefully I can win here next year but I’ll be aiming to get personal bests as well. I came third last year and third the year before that, it’s my last year next year so I’ll try and complete the set by getting gold.”

Chichester Runners member Brown insists she is pleased with her progress during a season which has seen her overcome a number of minor injuries to rise up the British rankings.

Now she intends to sit back and enjoy watching her idols at London 2012 this summer, dreaming of the day she too competes on the biggest stage.

“I’ve had a few niggles and the season’s almost over, so it was good to end it on a high,” she added.

“It’s great fun to be part of a team and one day I hope to be part of the Aviva GB & NI Team as a professional athlete.

“I am so excited that I’ll be watching my heroes this summer and I hope it will make a huge difference for our athletes to know that we will all be backing the team.”

Aviva has been backing the British athletes and the GB & NI Team since 1999. Now it’s your turn – #BackTheTeam or search for ‘Aviva Athletics’ on Facebook.

Liam Twomey