Sichel takes age-group bronze in London 24 Hour event

Orkney ultra endurance athlete William Sichel achieved 3rd place in the over 50's category when covering 109.9 miles at last weekend's Sri Chinmoy International 24 Hour track race in Tooting south London.

William had to battle through a series of bad patches after passing 100km/62miles in approx 9 hours 40 mins.

"During the bad patches I lost too much ground on the UK Athletics' qualifying standards for next year's World Championships.  The selection window remains open until next March so I may have another go then."

The event was won by debutant John Pares from Buckley who recorded 143.4 miles.  A record 22 athletes completed 100 miles or more.

William will now focus on a completely new challenge when he tackles his first 6 day race in Monaco from November 18th – 24th.

William is grateful to sponsors: dion_networks, Loganair, Sheila Fleet Jewellery and The Orcadian.

End.

17/10/06

Editor’s Notes

William currently lies 5th on the “All time” list of British road 24 hour performances with his run of 153.3 miles/246.70km in 2000.

William is a member of the Orkney Athletic Club and was voted Orkney’s ‘Veteran Sportsman of the Year’ for the second successive year in November 2005. 

With his wife, Elizabeth, he runs the Orkney Angora (hand dyeing specialists) mail order business in Sanday, Orkney.

Although born in the Warwickshire village of Welford and brought up in the southeast of England, William has lived in the Orkney island of Sanday since 1982.

Higher quality images can usually be supplied if required.

Making contact:

William Sichel, Upper Breckan, Sanday, Orkney KW17 2AZ.

Tel: 01857 600421; Fax: 0709 288 3499; Mobile 0794 128 3506.

william@williamsichel.co.uk  Web site: http://www.williamsichel.co.uk/