Phoebe Gill stars to win Commonwealth Youth Games 800m title
Written by I Dig SportsTeenager clocks a stunning 2:02:30 in Trinidad & Tobago, the fastest 800m time by a British U17 female athlete since 1977
Phoebe Gills incredible 2023 season continued as she claimed a Commonwealth Youth Games gold medal in the 800m.
The 16-year-old, on her international debut representing England, clocked a stunning 2:02.30 to take the title in the Caribbean.
Its the quickest time by any British U17 female for 46 years, when Jo White who holds the U17 national record recorded 2:02.00.
Gill also leapfrogged Jess Warner-Judd on the U17 800m list.
Its the first time Gill has dipped below the 2:03 mark.
It was such an amazing race, she told England Athletics. I was a bit worried at first because it was so hot and being from England were not really used to that weather. I was against such a phenomenal field of athletes and I think we all pushed each other and Im really happy with how it came out.
Last month, Gill ran a scintillating 2:03.12 to win the English Schools Inter Girls title in Birmingham, the third time she had recorded 2:03 in the distance in as many months.
Its been a great season so far, she told AW, in an exclusive chat with her at the Alexander Stadium on July 1.
After cross country I was left with a bit of a calf injury. I started the 800ms to build some speed up for the 1500m and Ive been consistent. Running 2:03 was a good time.
Ive always been a swimmer and thats helped with the running. My PE teacher at primary school told me to go to a friendly cross country meet and I found out I was pretty good. I started with that and then transitioned to the track. The stamina you get from it is great.
Gill also took apart Warner-Judds 12-year-old U17 1500m record of 4:14.21 at last months BMC Watford Gold Standard meet (July 12).
The 16-year-old clocked 4:11.96, more than two seconds quicker than the previous mark.
Safe to say, Gill has taken her running to another level this season.