Loughborough International

Loughborough International
23rd May 2010
Loughborough

Many of the UK's top athletes travelled to Loughborough to take part in the highly rated domestic competition. Nicola Hood (VP-Glasgow) was competing as a guest in the 3000m Steeplechase and rubbed shoulders with some big names including Jessica Ennis, Craig Pickering and Jodie Williams. It was Williams who stole the show with an impressive 22.79 in the 200m. The searing heat and tailwind made it a good day for sprinters but made life more difficult for the endurance athletes. Indeed, the water jump was highly appreciated for the steeplechasers.

But the heat didn't deter Hood too badly as she finished an impressive 2nd in 10:28.29, her 3rd fastest ever and 18 seconds faster than her time here last year. Going into the final water jump, Hood was lying 3rd. In-form Emma Raven was leading clearly from England's Laura Parker, who had a large gap ahead of Hood. However, it ain't over until the fat lady sings and a strong last 150m saw Hood pipping Parker on the line for 2nd place.