Ala was literally flying high

Father Chris picked up the trophy at Beau Sejour last week while the unexpecting 18-year-old flew back from a training camp in Tenerife, but the younger Chalmers brother was dazzled by the support after touchdown after keeping the silverware in the family for a third year running.

‘To be honest, I didn’t actually know I’d won it because I was up in a plane coming back from doing warm-weather training,’ he said.

‘As I was landing, I got so many messages from people, and tweets, and it was just lovely. I am really honoured to receive the award because Cam’s won it the last two years and now I’ve won it.

‘We’re trying to keep it between us, but it’s such a strong competition that I didn’t really think I was going to win it.

‘Coming out with it is great and it does push me on because I’m getting recognised for what I’m doing.

‘I do apologise for not being there really, as it would have been great to be there with everyone and receive it in person.

‘I’m out here training hard and I’ve got exams very soon, but hopefully I’ll be there next time,’ he hinted.

Ala still has another year at U20 level and improving his own national junior 400m hurdles record of 50.11 would certainly help push the case for a fourth Chalmers accolade.

On the race walking scene, Jayne Le Noury heads the seven-race Sarnia Walking Club handicap series after five of the races, this after posting her third win in a row.

Over a distance of five kilometres walked in windy conditions, with the worst of it head-on, it was tough going on the long straight section of the three-lap course.

Set off first, Jayne was not likely to be caught and she crossed the line in 38.56, almost a minute ahead.