ATHLETES from Wymondham won medals at the English Schools Athletics Association Championships at Alexander Stadium in Birmingham.James McLachlan (Wymondham High School) struck gold in the senior boys' long jump with an outstanding distance of 7.

ATHLETES from Wymondham won medals at the English Schools Athletics Association Championships at Alexander Stadium in Birmingham.

James McLachlan (Wymondham High School) struck gold in the senior boys' long jump with an outstanding distance of 7.39m. He plans to combine sport and his studies in America next year.

And 15-year Laura McDonald (Wymondham High School) earned a silver medal in the U17 javelin with 44.88m.

It's her first year in this age group and she beat her personal best twice in the competition.

She had double reason to celebrate after being selected to represent her country at the Home Counties International Athletics championships in Glasgow this Saturday.

Laura is ranked UK number two in the U17 age group and is the highest ranking 15-year-old.

In addition, Wymondham High School recently awarded her the title of Senior Sports Women of the Year and has already established mentoring support for Laura to help juggle her academic and sporting requirements, as well as public engagements through her role as a Norfolk Sporting Ambassador.

The school works closely with Laura's coach, Tim Newenham, who is England Athletics national coach mentor and lead coach for this year's Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

The ESAA Championiships were held in Birmingham on July 9 and 10, attended by athletes from every county in England.

James Senior from Wymondham was competing in what are probably his last ESAA Championships.

Unfortunately he stumbled at the water jump in the senior boys' 2,000m steeple chase, whilst trying to avoid another competitor who had lost his footing.

This cost James valuable seconds but he pressed on gallantly, taking seventh place in this demanding race, in a time of 6:13.47.

A fantastic weekend of performances from local sporting talent against the very best athletes in the country.