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Tuesday, 22 August 2006, 10:29 GMT 11:29 UK

Medal showdown

Britain's young athletes have returned from competing at the World Junior Championships in Beijing.

Chris Clarke (400m relay) and Sarah Holt (hammer) were writing diaries for the Academy from China.

The third and final diary sees Chris battling for medals in the relay final and reflecting on a memorable trip.

Chris Clarke
Great Britain 400m relay runner

So my first World Junior championships and I have a bronze - I love the feeling!

To make the final of the 4x400m relay we obviously had to get through the heats.

It was a strong heat as well so we all knew we had to be at our best. I wasn't nervous as I was waiting to try out a new race plan.

Normally when I run a 400m I take the first 200m easy and use my sprint speed to pull away on the final stretch.

This time I went out quite strongly for the first 80m, settled down the back straight before working the last 200m again.

GB get relay bronze in Beijing

I was pleased as I brought the team in second going into the next stage. We qualified for the final by finishing second in our heat which was great for the lads.

So it was another day of preparing to run again which meant no trip to the Great Wall of China. I was disappointed about that, but at least it was for a good reason!

I thought I'd be nervous for the final but I was more excited really.

On the first leg it was hard work because we drew lane eight - the outside lane.

When I handed over to Grant Baker it felt like a long stage because the stagger meant he didn't take the baton from me until halfway round the bend.

Grant then passed on to Kris Robertson, and we were a bit down when he got the baton to Martyn Rooney.

Martyn had a lot to do, but I knew he could do it and he overtook the Kenyan on the home straight to get us bronze.

But then it was down to earth again! After the closing ceremony there was a banquet at our hotel, but I didn't stay long because I had to pack.

Anyone who saw my room during these championships would know that is no small task.

It feels great to win something and makes me determined to come back to the World Juniors in two years and win an individual gold.

Read Sarah Holt's final Beijing diary



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Related to this story:

Rooney misses out on junior gold (17 Aug 06 |  Athletics )
Britain add two bronzes to tally (20 Aug 06 |  Athletics )
Fortunate Nelson captures bronze (18 Aug 06 |  Athletics )
Aikines-Aryeetey wins sprint gold (16 Aug 06 |  Athletics )

RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
Sarah Holt diary: part 1
Sarah Holt diary: part 2
Sarah Holt diary: part 3
Chris Clarke diary: part 1
Chris Clarke diary: part 2
International Athletics
World Junior Championships
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UK Athletics
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