Sprinter and Venerable Bede pupil Celine sets sights on Olympics
Quick-off-the-mark Sunderland schoolgirl Celine Obinna-Alo, who turned 15 at the end of last month, is the fastest sprint distance runner in the country – and that’s official.
Celine, who attends Venerable Bede CE Academy, broke the speed record, winning the England 60m Under-17 title in February aged just 14, beating girls up to three years older than her. Celine’s championship record of 7.38 seconds is just 0.03 seconds shy of the British Under-17 record.
And on Sunday, 18 May, at the Loughborough International Athletics event, Celine won her first international 100m race with a personal best of 11.69 seconds. Again, some of her competitors were older than her – some up to five years more senior.
Celine’s rapid progress and impressive performances – she has set new records, including several long-standing club records at Sunderland Harriers – indicates she has a bright future ahead in athletics. She has won numerous gold medals at national and regional championships.
Celine’s parents were contacted by the headteacher of her primary school, to encourage them to enrol their daughter into a club as she was showing so much promise on the track.
“I’d love to represent Team GB in major athletics events,” said Celine.
Tracey Burgess, Head of School at Venerable Bede CE Academy, part of the Northern Lights Learning Trust, said: “Our school motto is ‘Soar to the heights together’, reflecting our commitment to fostering a supportive and ambitious community where pupils are encouraged to reach their full potential. It is fantastic to see Celine do so well.”
Rob Atherton, Head of PE, added: “Celine’s exceptional dedication shines through in every competition, a true testament to her commitment and the rich opportunities she’s embraced.”
Celine has her sights set on the next Olympics for Team GB and is grateful to everyone around her, including at school, for their support and encouragement. Her sporting hero, she says, is top athletics talent Dina Asher-Smith.
Celine is now coached by former Olympic medallist Richard Kilty who says he has “never seen a natural sprint talent like her”.
• Celine is pictured at Venerable Bede CE Academy with head Tracey Burgess
