EMILY Hutchinson goes into her fifth and final appearance at the English Schools’ Track & Field Championships wondering whether she can continue her amazing record in the event, WRITES KEVIN FAHEY.

Since making her debut in 2011, the 18-year-old Devizes School shot putt thrower has finished sixth, fifth, fourth and third.

“I am not superstitious but that is a weird one,” said Hutchinson.

“It has been a nice run and we will have to see what happens on my final appearance. It would be nice to make the podium but I know there will be strong competition this year.

“I will be doing my best, not just for myself but also the team, trying to win points for the county competition.”

Hutchinson’s experience has been reflected with her selection as one of the team captains, along with Gemma Shepherd and Will Kennedy.

Having gone through the stress and pressures of competing in one of the most exciting and demanding events on the calendar, Hutchinson is looking forward to imparting her knowledge.

“It is a nerve-wracking experience so it will be nice to help others,” she added.

One of those who will be looking for guidance will be 12-year-old St Augustine’s student Rory Howorth, who will be making his debut in the junior boys’ 1,500m.

“I will be asking Emily for some tips and hopefully I can learn from her even though we do different events,” said Howorth.

“I am really excited and I am sure it will be a great experience. It will be a big learning curve and who knows what might happen.”

n ST LAURENCE duo Jake Nickerson (triple jump) and Maksym Oberemok (80mH) will also be amongst those in action at the event.

Year 9 pupil Nickerson first represented the school’s athletics team last April at a Combined Events Competition at Millfield.

Since then he has been selected to represent Wiltshire at South West and national level at cross-country, track and field and combined events, which led to him being recognised with ‘The Ultimate Wiltshire Athlete Award’.

Oberemok, also in Year 9, has steadily improved as a hurdler since switching from the 800m and clocked a national entry standard at the County Championships, before finishing third at the South West Championships the following weekend.

Both have also qualified to compete in the National Combined Events Championships in September.

Both boys have been helped significantly by Colin Baross and Di Viles at the University of Bath.