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BIG2007 _/_ Bedford International Athletics Stadium, Barkers Lane, Bedford MK41 9SB _/_ Ticket Hotline: 01234 351115 |
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BIG History … The first Bedfordshire International Games was held at Bedford Stadium on Saturday 10th June 1995 following an approach to host the first European Athletic Promotion circuit meeting in Great Britain. Thirteen equally successful ones have followed this inaugural meeting, with two Commonwealth and two British records being set. As part of the EAP circuit, the meeting was designed to provide top class competition for those athletes on the verge of International and National success but who found it difficult to get entry into appropriate competition at home or overseas. The Bedford International Games continues to provide this whilst also giving the rising stars of our sport the opportunity to take their first steps towards fulfilling their ambitions. 2000 saw a change of name (BIG) and has been dubbed the 'Athlete Friendly Games', where athletes are able to compete for themselves, in whichever event they wish, without the pressures of Club, County, Regional or National representation. Over the years we have seen many successes from athletes beginning their campaigns for major Championships at all age groups or achieving seasons or personal best performances. In addition to this we have been privileged to play host to a number of overseas athletes, notable amongst them are Carolina Kluft (Sweden - World Heptathlon Champion 2003) who competed in the High Jump in 2000, Tamsin Lewis (Australia - Commonwealth Relay Gold Medallist), Mary Onyali (Nigeria - Olympic Relay Bronze Medallist), Emma Green (Sweden - 2005 World Championships High Jump Bronze Medallist) and Nova Peris-Kneebone (Australia - Olympic Hockey Gold Medallist). Two Commonwealth Records, Lorraine Shaw's Hammer throw of 64.90m (1995) and Kate Staples' Pole Vault of 3.70m (1995), head the achievements list with Janine Whitlock's three British Records culminating with 4.46m in the Pole Vault in 2005 coming a very close second. Add to this, performances which led Sally Gunnell into her comeback from Atlanta injury, Tessa Sanderson to her 4th Olympic Games, Dougie Walker to his European 200m title and athletes of the calibre of Julian Golding, Mick Hill, Jamie Baulch, Mark Lewis-Francis, Donna Fraser, Marlon Devonish, Jo Fenn and Darren Campbell to their future successes as well as Junior athletes such as Sarah Wilhelmy (World Junior 200m Bronze medallist in 1998), Nicola Sanders (European Junior 400m Hurdles Bronze medal winner in 1999 and World Indoor 400m Champion in 2007) and Tim Benjamin (European U23 400m Champion in 2003) in their rise to the top. Wheelchair Events over 100m, 200m and 400m were include in the programme for the first time in 2002 with both races being won in fast times by Paralympian David Weir. 2004 saw fabulous performances by Tanni Grey-Thompson and Kenny van Weeglen (Holland) on their way to Paralympic success in Athens. These races have now become a permanent part of all BIG meetings and we hope that they will also assist athletes in their preparations for the major events. Men's and Women's Sprint Relays were added to the programme in 2001 and we have seen many of GB's top sprinters in action over the last three years. |
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In fact, in 2004, we were privileged to witness the first outing of the season for the Men's Relay team of Darren Campbell, Marlon Devonish, Jason Gardner and ????????? who went on later just 2 months later to become Olympic Champions in Athens. This has enhanced the meeting and with the hopeful addition of overseas teams we should continue to see a thrilling finale to future BIG events. Our 10th Anniversary in 2004 saw a whole host of meeting records set and gave 11 of the GB Olympic team their early season competition. In addition to this, five athletes went on to represent their country in the Paralympic Games, nine to the World Junior Championships in Italy and a handful to the Commonwealth Youth Games in Australia. Since the inaugural BIG in 1995 in excess of 142 athletes have gone on to represent their country at Olympic, World, European, Commonwealth, U23 European, World Universities, World Junior or European Junior Championships. Many more have gained International vests. Congratulations to everyone concerned and we look forward to again being able to assist you in fulfilling your 2007 dreams. The date is now firmly established in the IAAF, EAA and UKA fixture list each year and is chosen after extensive consultation with UKA, athletes and coaches in order to ensure much needed qualification opportunities at an appropriate time of the season for major Games at all age levels. Without main sponsorship for the whole of the event's life, we are very proud of the athletes who compete each year with thoughts only of performance, never expenses or appearance money. To achieve this we also need the support of a very essential and willing band of 'athlete friendly' officials who have given their time, for no more than a packed lunch, and we are also very grateful to them for their continuing support. BIG 2007 will be our 14th meeting and we are working to ensure that it is the best ever by taking the competition to a higher level with the inclusion of a greater number of overseas athletes. With LONDON 2012 at the forefront of our thoughts, events such as BIG are going to be vital to the preparation of athletes on the Olympic pathway and we are constantly trying to ensure that the needs of the athletes are catered for in the best way possible. We are constantly looking for new ways to assist you, the athletes. 2006 saw a number of events specifically tailored to meet the needs of the Under 20 athletes preparing for the World Junior Championships in Beijing and we would like to congratulate all of you who performed so well in the awesome heat of the Chinese capital. The SPAR Invitational U17 100m East Challenge was run for the first time in 2006 and we hope that this may be seen by counties as a very important addition to their programmes in the future. |
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© 2007 Bedford International Games |