THIS year has started in spectacular fashion for North Somerset Athletics Academy.

THIS year has started in spectacular fashion for North Somerset Athletics Academy.

After a superb eight national medallists at the UK Sportshall Championships, qualifiers for the London Mini-Marathon, and countless regional champions across a range of events. North Somerset coached six teams across to the Cardiff University for an international challenge match against Welsh opposition. This was the official launch of England Athletics' new Quadkids initiative, where athletes take part in a mini four-event-team-decathlon, each event scoring points towards the final total. More than 300 athletes took part, many had been working on these events for more than 12 months.

North Somerset Athletics Academy again excelled, the eight selected athletes beating 21 other teams, and winning the Year 6 Primary year event.

The top female secondary school athlete award was handed to the multi-talented Anicia Skeates from St Bedes, who is currently ranked in the top three across the South West in long jump, high jump and hurdles.

The primary award was won by High Down's Ada'ora Chigbo, who remains the UK's no.1 standing long jumper. Clevedon's Katie Grinyer was third overall. In the boys' event, Backwell's Kody Mortimer received a silver, and The Downs' Tom Horton received a bronze medal for their overall performances.

Head coach Chris Millard was, for once, speechless, as every track race involving NSAA athletes was won in impressive style. When asked for a highlight, he was unable to think of just one...

All trophies and medals won at this event are now displayed at the Club at Cadbury House, NSAA's major sponsor, in a purpose-made display cabinet.

Primary school event, NSAA winners: Aidan Paul (Yatton), Tom Horton (The Downs), Sam Aizlewood (Yatton), William Binnington (St Josepph's), Sophie Thomas (Locking), Chloe Buck (Flax Bourton), Ellie Parker (Backwell), Laura Hearn (Yeo Moor).

Additional NSAA primary school athletes: Lewis Cheetham, Elliot Ripley, Connor Fairclough Cecelie Anderson, Alys Withers, Ada'ora Chigbo, Sofie Anderson (all High Down).

Secondary school event, NSAA second: Kody Mortimer (Backwell), Gareth Brock (Worle), Kieran Manning (Priory), Zach Sow (Gordano), Anicia Skeates (St Bede's), Natalie Ogden (Backwell), Laura Bisset (Backwell0, Mollie Kent (Gordano).

Additional NSAA secondary school athletes: Kieran Innes, Dan Jones, Kath Grinyer, Nancy Lynch, Jess Ford (all Clevedon).