Jackson makes history in Italy

Leeds Met student Jo Jackson made history in the IAAF Race Walking Challenge in Sesto San Giovanni on the outskirts of Milan, when she became the first ever British athlete to make the podium in an IAAF Challenge event.

Jackson clocked a seasons best in 1.32.03 behind Portugal's Vera Santos and Germany's Melanie Seeger. Jackson passed the halfway mark in 45.42 and despite picking up her 2nd Disqualification card at 7km which meant she had to hold back for the rest of the race.

Speaking after the race Jackson said: "This is a major breakthrough for me to make the podium in an IAAF Challenge event. I am disappointed with the time as I had to hold back after receiving my 2nd red card at 7km, I know there is a lot more in the tank". Jackson will now look forward to competing for Great Britain in the IAAF World Race Walking Cup in Mexico in 2 weeks time."

In the men's 20km two Leeds met athletes were chasing the Commonwealth Games Qualifying standard of 89 minutes. Alex Wright and Tom Bosworth making their debuts in senior international competition made a positive start and passed the halfway mark in 43.51 and 44.15.

Alex Wright remained on pace for a sub 89 minute clocking until 15km, but all the effects of the warm weather meant all the British athletes slowed over the last 5km. Wright came home to record 90.27 in his debut to go 2nd on the UK Ranking for 2010. Bosworth recorded 93.02 in his 2nd race at the distance.

Commenting on the performances Carnegie Director of Race Walking, Dr Andi Drake said: "Jo raced smart and was rewarded with a podium finish - outside of the major championships these are the events to place in and she has moved on a level in 2010! Alex and Tom have made outstanding progress in their first year of senior competition and exposure to this level of competition is a key part of their development. Jo now moves on to race in the IAAF World Cup in Mexico and Alex and Tom go into a training block before racing over 20 km again in June in an attempt to attain Commonwealth Games qualifying times. We have already met to reflect on where we can improve - as a coach I am currently very happy."

Photo courtesy of Mark Easton http://photosbymark.fotoblog.co.uk/