Featured Athletes

Sally Peake a Silver medalist in the Pole Vault at the Glasgow 2014 Commowealth Games. Sally attended Cardiff University, and competed for Birchfield Harriers in Birmingham. Sally has retired from international competition, and joined Cardiff AAC earlier this year. Sally has brought her international experience into the team and enthusiasm, by also competing in Triple Jump competitions for the club's UKWL team. Sally has won both Pole Vault and Triple Jump 'A' events, gaining valuable team points in both matches this season. Sally is an excellent role model for the younger members of the our club UKWL team.

Congratulations, Sally.

As athlete of the month, Sally receives a gift voucher from sports shop Run and Become, to whom we are grateful for this support. Run and Become is at 100 St Mary Street, Cardiff, or can be found at www.runandbecome.com.    

Athlete of the month - May 2018

Gabby had a great start to her Indoor season, back in November last year, winning her first Welsh vest, competing for the Welsh Schools Combined events team at SIAB.

In the 2018 South Wales Indoor Championships, Gabby won gold medals in the 60m, 200m, High Jump, and Long Jump.

Gabby won the 60m in the Welsh Indoor Championships.

Gabby has taken her great form into the outdoor season.

At the South Wales Regional Championships Gabby won Gold medals in the 100m, Long Jump, and broke the Championship record in winning the High Jump.

Gabby hardwork and determination to win events, is an going success story.

Congratulations Gabby 

As athlete of the month, Gabby receives a gift voucher fron sports shop Run and Become, to whom we are grateful for this support. Run and Become is at 100 St Mary Street, Cardiff or can be found at www.runandbecome.com.

Athlete of the month - April 2018

Bethany (15yrs) is a versatile of the talented Gold family, and has been an ever prest member of club teams since she joined Cardiii aac five years ago. At the recent YDL U20/17 age group she was asked to double up in 1500m and 1500m Steeplchase in which she performed s/c a personal best time. All of this having only recently returned from injury.Bethany is also an active meber of Cardiff AAC's Young Leaders programme. Prior to her own training, Bethany can be seen helping and coaching with the club's Academy three times a week. At the recent WJL meeting in Hereford Bethany was observed helping youngsters in their first competition, and comforted athletes who became upset.

As Athlete of the Month, Bethany receives a gift voucherfrom sports shop Run and Become, to whomwe are grateful for their support. Run and Become is at 100 St Mary Street, Cardiff, or can be found at www.runandbecome.com. 

Athlete of the month - March 2018

Cardiff AAC'S Charlotte Arter finished an excellent 31st at the IAAF World Half Marathon Champioship in Valenia, Spain. Charlotte produced her second fastest performance over the 13.1 mile distance, running 1.11.52 coming home as second scorer for the British Athletic team (6 in team) that finished 7th overall.

Athlete of the month - February 2018

Emmanuella had a great season last year, winning the Welsh under 15 schools 100m. Her great form continued through to the indoor season where she won the under 17 Welsh 60m championship and, in February, a silver medal at the English championships.

Emmanuella achieved a huge personal best of 7.68 and, still only 14 years of age, earned her first Welsh vest at the indoor international, at under 20. Her hard work and commitment has definitely paid off.

As Athlete of the Month, Emmanuella receives a gift voucher from sports shop Run and Become, to whom we are grateful for this support. Run and Become is at 100 St Mary Street, Cardiff or can be found at www.runandbecome.com.

Athlete of the Month - January 2018

Enjoying his best outdoor season, Sam Gordon ended 2017 as Wales' No.1 sprinter with a best 100m time of 10.32. His form has continued into 2018 and, in the Welsh indoor championships at Cardiff's NIAC on 27th January, he set a new personal best for 60m in winning his heat in a fast 6.70 seconds. In the final, Sam not only won, in 6.72, but defeated GB international Harry Aikines-Aryeetey to take the title.

As Athlete of the Month, Sam receives a gift voucher from sports shop Run and Become, to whom we are grateful for this support. Run and Become is at 100 St Mary Street, Cardiff or can be found at www.runandbecome.com.

Athlete of the Month - December 2017

James Hunt has made a big impact on the road and cross country during 2017 and, on 3rd December, was first in the senior men's race in the Gwent Cross Country League in Pembrey. He went on to have a solid run in the elite race in the famous Nos Galan road race on 31st December. He then represented Wales in the Celtic Cup in Antrim which was part of the British Cross Challenge series. James is a great amabassador for Cardiff AAC and, if he carries this form into the summer season, will be a force to be reckoned with.

As Athlete of the Month, James receives a gift voucher from sports shop Run and Become, to whom we are grateful for this support. Run and Become is at 100 St Mary Street, Cardiff or can be found at www.runandbecome.com.

Athlete of the Month - November 2017

Daniel joined the club in 2012 as a sprinter. He first tried walking in the Welsh junior league as an under 15 and was good at it and enjoyed it.  Over the years he has won medals in major competitions in a range of distances from 1km to 10km and this winter he competed in the Midlands Winter League series over 10km. He completed all three races and was second in his age group. In the final race on the 19th November Daniel won the 5km race walk and an hour later completed the 10km race walk and finished 6th overall.  Daniel hopes to compete in many majors throughout 2017/2018.

As Athlete of the Month, Daniel receives a gift voucher from sports shop Run and Become, to whom we are grateful for this support. Run and Become is at 100 St Mary Street, Cardiff or can be found at www.runandbecome.com.

Athlete of the Month - October 2017

Although he joined Cardiff AAC only two years ago when he moved to Cardiff, Matt Clowes has already made a huge impact and become an important and popular member of club teams. In October he ran his first half marathon, pacing the elite women in the Cardiff Half and clocking an impressive 66.07 on his debut. Two weeks later he improved his time to 65.10 and finished in third place in the Manchester half marathon. Matt is an extremely strong competitor and can only improve in the years ahead. 

As Athlete of the Month, Matt receives a gift voucher from sports shop Run and Become, to whom we are grateful for this support. Run and Become is at 100 St Mary Street, Cardiff or can be found at www.runandbecome.com.

Athlete of the Month - September 2017

Ethan Witchell (12) joined the club eighteen months ago as an eleven year old and has established himself as a regular member of the club's junior teams. He has steadily improved as a discus thrower and shot putter and, in September 2017, threw a personal best 24.83m with the discus, which took him to number one on the Welsh under 13 rankings for the year and, at that time, to eleventh in the UK. He is also ranked sixth in Wales in the shot put.

As Athlete of the Month, Ethan receives a gift voucher from sports shop Run and Become, to whom we are grateful for this support. Run and Become is at 100 St Mary Street, Cardiff or can be found at www.runandbecome.com.

Athlete of the Month - August 2017

This season Rhian has been a reliable and regular member of the the YDL Upper age group team that reached the national final, competing at various times over 100m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 3000m, 400m Hurdles and the steeplechase to help the team score points. In the YDL Final she set a new PB over the 1500m steeplechase, having already run the 1500m and the 400m Hurdles (in which she also set a PB). She is set to end the season ranked 5th in the Welsh Under 20 age group over 400m Hurdles and 2nd in the steeplechase. This year she also made her debut for the Senior Women’s team in the British Leagueand finished a creditable 5th in the steeplechase despite being only 16.

As Athlete of the Month, Rhian receives a gift voucher from sports shop Run and Become, to whom we are grateful for this support. Run and Become is at 100 St Mary Street, Cardiff or can be found at www.runandbecome.com.

Athlete of the Month - July 2017

With two outstanding candidates for July, Jake Heyward took the award in a "photo finish" with Aled Davies. In his first year as an under 20 athlete, Jake ran a brilliant tactical race to win the 1500m gold medal and title as European Under 20 champion in Grosseto; adding to the under 18 title he won in 2016. Before the month was out, Jake ran a personal best time of 3:42.12 which took him to the number one spot on the UK under 20 rankings and to fifth in Europe.

As Athlete of the Month, Jake receives a gift voucher from sports shop Run and Become, to whom we are grateful for this support. Run and Become is at 100 St Mary Street, Cardiff or can be found at www.runandbecome.com.

Athlete of the Month - June 2017

One of Cardiff AAC's most experienced international athletes does not wear a Welsh or British vest. Charlotte Wingfield has represented her native Malta at the Olympic Games, World and European Championships. She is Maltese champion at both 100m and 200m and has been steadily improving her times at both events, in 2017 setting personal bests for 100m and 200m and breaking through the 24 second barrier for the latter. In June she set a new club record of 23.78 for 200m, erasing Carmen Smart's 23.84 set 35 years ago in 1982.

As Athlete of the Month, Charlotte receives a gift voucher from sports shop Run and Become, to whom we are grateful for this support. Run and Become is at 100 St Mary Street, Cardiff or can be found at www.runandbecome.com.

Athlete of the Month - May 2017

Jeremiah Azu celebrated his sixteenth birthday only a couple of weeks ago but has already made his mark as a promising sprinter. Having joined Helen James sprints group last August, he has made steady improvement and made a break-through at the Welsh Athletics "Run with the wind" last week when he clocked a legal 10.97 seconds for 100m as well as a wind assisted 10.99. These times followed  a series of near-11 seconds runs. On the back of this form, Jeremiah made his debut for the British League team on 3rd June and, against senior opposition, performed well, recording 11.19 seconds into a 3.3m/s headwind. He is ranked ninth in the UK under 17.

As Athlete of the Month, Jeremiah receives a gift voucher from sports shop Run and Become, to whom we are grateful for this support. Run and Become is at 100 St Mary Street, Cardiff or can be found at www.runandbecome.com.

Athlete of the Month - April 2017

Cassey (14) is a versatile member of the talented Grimwade family and has been an ever-present member of club teams since she joined Cardiff AAC five years ago. She is currently ranked in the UK's top ten in both hammer and discus and is also a more than capable shot putter. Her best event is the hammer and she set a new under 15 club record of 43.91m in April, improving her own record set last year.

As Athlete of the Month, Cassey receives a gift voucher from sports shop Run and Become, to whom we are grateful for this support. Run and Become is at 100 St Mary Street, Cardiff or can be found at www.runandbecome.com.

Athlete of the Month - March 2017

Multi-talented Ben Hillman has had a busy indoor season and has already set new personal bests at no fewer than eight events. Three of these (high jump, long jump and 60m hurdles) were set on 12th March in Sheffield during the England Athletics under 15 combined event championships when Ben (he will not be fourteen until later this month) won the silver medal. His score for the five events, 2911, was also a personal best.

As Athlete of the Month, Ben receives a gift voucher from sports shop Run and Become, to whom we are grateful for this support. Run and Become is at 100 St Mary Street, Cardiff or can be found at www.runandbecome.com.

Athletes of the Month - February 2017

Only once before has this award been shared and, on this occasion, it was impossible to split Tom and Ieuan. On 5th February, at Cardiff's NIAC, Ieuan stopped the clock at 3:59.31 for the mile, becoming the first Welshman to break the 4 minute barrier indoors in Wales and the third best ever. It seemed that Ieuan had clinched the February award until, ten days later, Tom Marshall achieved the same feat, clocking 3:59.84 indoors in Athlone, Ireland on 15th February and placing fifth on the all time Welsh indoor rankings. As Wales' current best milers, Tom and Ieuan can take this form into the outdoor season with great confidence.

As Athletes of the Month, Tom and Ieuan each receive a gift voucher from sports shop Run and Become, to whom we are grateful for this support. Run and Become is at 100 St Mary Street, Cardiff or can be found at www.runandbecome.com.

Athlete of the Month - January 2017

After a period out with injury, Alex Coomber returned to competition in January and immediately made a big impact, on 15th January winning the 800m at the Cardiff Met indoor grand prix in a near personal best time of 1:51.87. On 28th January, he took the Welsh indoor championship 800m title in a personal best time of 1:51.87 but it was the manner of his victory that impressed. Setting off from the gun at a furious pace, Alex quickly opened up a huge gap that was never closed despite a big effort on the last lap from the pursuing athletes. If Alex carries this form into the summer season, he will be a force to be reckoned with.
Alex was athlete of the month once before, in March 2010, to recognise his winning the Welsh under 17 indoor 800m title.

As Athlete of the Month, Alex receives a gift voucher from sports shop Run and Become, to whom we are grateful for this support. Run and Become is at 100 St Mary Street, Cardiff or can be found at www.runandbecome.com.

Athlete of the Month - December 2016

Abi Fisher has been steadily improving through the year. Following an excellent 16th place in the under 17 women's race at the British Athletics Cross Challenge in Liverpool at the end of November, on 10th December she won the under 17 Welsh inter-regional cross country championship at Builth Wells, the first of a very strong Cardiff AAC contingent in the race. Abi is a part of Phil Banning's talented training group and can look forward to another successful season.

As Athlete of the Month, Abi receives a gift voucher from sports shop Run and Become, to whom we are grateful for this support. Run and Become is at 100 St Mary Street, Cardiff or can be found at www.runandbecome.com.

Athlete of the Month - November 2016

Charlotte has enjoyed her best season so far and crowned this with a fine performance in the British Cross Challenge in Liverpool on 26th November when she was narrowly beaten into second place by experienced GB international Gemma Steel, having challenged for the lead for much of the race. The Liverpool event counted as the official trial for selection to the Great Britain team for the 2016 European Cross Country Championship to be held in Italy on 11th December. Charlotte's second position in the trial guaranteed her place in the British team.

As Athlete of the Month, Charlotte receives a gift voucher from sports shop Run and Become, to whom we are grateful for this support. Run and Become is at 100 St Mary Street, Cardiff or can be found at www.runandbecome.com.

Athlete of the Month - October 2016

As club captain for road and cross country, Carwyn led the senior men's six stage road relay team to the gold medal at the national championships in Birmingham on 8th October. A week later he took to the country and won the senior men's race at the first round of the Gwent League in Bridgend. Suffering from a cold, he was unable to take part in the Welsh Athletics cross country relays in Monmouth but encouraged the men's team to the silver medal and the ladies to the gold.

As Athlete of the Month, Carwyn receives a gift voucher from sports shop Run and Become, to whom we are grateful for this support. Run and Become is at 100 St Mary Street, Cardiff or can be found at www.runandbecome.com.

Athlete of the Month - September 2016

This is not the first time that Aled Davies has been voted athlete of the month but his achievement in winning the gold medal in the F42 shot put at the Rio Paralympics was the outstanding performance by a Carsdiff AAC athlete in September. This crowned another golden year for Aled who has not only completed his set of Paralympic gold medals but also improved his own F42 world records in the shot and discus.

As Athlete of the Month, Aled receives a gift voucher from sports shop Run and Become, to whom we are grateful for this support. Run and Become is at 100 St Mary Street, Cardiff or can be found at www.runandbecome.com.

Athlete of the Month - August 2016

Paul Bennett has been selected as August's athlete of the month for his support and important contribution to the club's senior men's team and its successful season, gaining promotion to the BAL's division one as champions. Paul competed in the 400m hurdles in all four of this year's matches, winning the A 400m hurdles in two of them and the B race in the others, when Rhys Williams won the A. Paul was also an important member of the 4x400m relay squad. Paul has enjoyed a good season and is a valuable member of Cardiff AAC; he also coaches.

As Athlete of the Month, Paul receives a gift voucher from sports shop Run and Become, to whom we are grateful for this support. Run and Become is at 100 St Mary Street, Cardiff or can be found at www.runandbecome.com.

Athlete of the Month - July 2016

Steve Morris struck a purple patch in July. On 13th he set a personal best time of 3:56.24 for 1500m at the BMC Gold Standard race in Watford which was a British and European record for the T20 IPC category. A fortnight later, on 27th at the Endurance Night in Cardiff, he set a personal best and British record of 1:56.06 for 800m. Steve (27), who is coached by former club captain James Thie, is an experienced British international and competed in the IPC European championships in Italy in June, where he was fourth in the 800m and fifth in the 1500m. He has been selected for the Great Britain team at the Rio Paralympic Games.

As Athlete of the Month, Steve receives a gift voucher from sports shop Run and Become, to whom we are grateful for this support. Run and Become is at 100 St Mary Street, Cardiff or can be found at www.runandbecome.com.

Athlete of the Month - June 2016

Enjoying one of his best seasons, Jake Heyward (17) got June off to a flying start by retaining his Welsh senior 800m title at the Welsh Championships in Cardiff. The following week, he set a new personal best of 3:46.50 for the 1500m, a time the took him to second place in the European under 18 rankings and to fourth in the UK under 20 rankings. He went on to become the UK under 20 champion at 1500m and was rewarded with selection for the Great Britain team at the European under eighteen championships in Tbilisi in July.

As Athlete of the Month, Jake receives a gift voucher from sports shop Run and Become, to whom we are grateful for this support. Run and Become is at 100 St Mary Street, Cardiff or can be found at www.runandbecome.com.

Athlete of the Month - May 2016

Ben Vincent (12) joined the club over three years ago and has made steady progress as a sprinter and long jumper. He has been a regular member of club teams and made a big breakthrough in May when he long jumped 5.12m, a distance that not only improved his own previous best by a huge 39cms but was a new under 13 boys' club record and took him to second place on the latest UK rankings.

As Athlete of the Month, Ben receives a gift voucher from sports shop Run and Become, to whom we are grateful for this support. Run and Become is at 100 St Mary Street, Cardiff or can be found at www.runandbecome.com.

Athlete of the Month - April 2016

Ffion (recently turned 16) has been making steady progress for the past few years and started 2016 with a big improvement, increasing her personal best hammer throw from 48.80m to 51.67m on 17th April. This improved her own club record and she improved it again on 1st May with 52.13m, a distance that ranked her 11th in the UK in the under 17 age group.

As Athlete of the Month, Ffion receives a gift voucher from sports shop Run and Become, to whom we are grateful for this support. Run and Become is at 100 St Mary Street, Cardiff or can be found at www.runandbecome.com.

Athlete of the Month - March 2016

Carys (15) has enjoyed an excellent cross country season and continued this right through March. On 6th March she won the final race of the Gwent League and, with it, clinched the overall title for the series. Of the five races, Carys won four and was second in the other. On 12th March, Carys represented the Region at the UK Inter-Counties final in Birmingham and finished in a fine 10th place. A week later she was representing Wales at the SIAB international in Scotland and was the first Welsh finisher in 19th place. Carys is one of Cardiff's very talented young cross country runners and has the potential to be very good.

As Athlete of the Month, Carys receives a gift voucher from sports shop Run and Become, to whom we are grateful for this support. Run and Become is at 100 St Mary Street, Cardiff or can be found at www.runandbecome.com.

Athlete of the Month - February 2016

Sarah Omoregie (16) had been a candidate for January's athlete of the month, having set a new club and Welsh indoor record of 13.54m for the shot put when winning the Welsh Championship gold medal on 31st January. All rounder Sarah clinched it in February by improving her records to 13.83m and winning the silver medal at the England indoor championships in Sheffield; and consolidating her in second place in the UK rankings.

As Athlete of the Month, Sarah receives a gift voucher from sports shop Run and Become, to whom we are grateful for this support. Run and Become is at 100 St Mary Street, Cardiff or can be found at www.runandbecome.com.

Athlete of the Month - January 2016

Still only a junior, Kristian Jones (17) has had an excellent January, setting personal best times for both 60m and 200m indoors and taking the Welsh indoor championship gold medals for both events at Under 20 and senior levels. Kristian has shown great maturity in his running and is second in the UK under 20 rankings at 200m (21.69) and sixth at 60m (6.91).

As Athlete of the Month, Kristian receives a gift voucher from sports shop Run and Become, to whom we are grateful for this support. Run and Become is at 100 St Mary Street, Cardiff or can be found at www.runandbecome.com.

Athlete of the Month - December 2015

Having enjoyed an excellent summer season, during which she set new personal bests at high jump, long jump and hurdles, Lauren Evans (15) rounded off her year with a silver medal at the indoor SIAB Combined Events International in Glasgow on 12th December. As captain of the girls' team, Lauren led by example, producing the team's best individual placing and a personal best score of 3,590 for the five event discipline.

As Athlete of the Month, Lauren receives a gift voucher from sports shop Run and Become, to whom we are grateful for this support. Run and Become is at 100 St Mary Street, Cardiff or can be found at www.runandbecome.com.

Athlete of the Month - November 2015

November produced three first class performances from Charlotte Arter. On 15th, she won the Leeds Abbey Dash 10k, in a personal best time, in only her second 10k since 2012. A week later she led Cardiff's senior women's team to first place in the Welsh Cross Country relay championships, running the fastest leg of the race. And, to round off the month, Charlotte achieved a fine 12th place, out of 291 finishers, at the British Cross Challenge in Liverpool, having been in contention for a place in the British team for the European Cross Country Championships for much of the race.

As Athlete of the Month, Charlotte receives a gift voucher from sports shop Run and Become, to whom we are grateful for this support. Run and Become is at 100 St Mary Street, Cardiff or can be found at www.runandbecome.com.

Athlete of the Month - October 2015

With two gold medals at a world championship, one of which was secured with a world record, Aled Davies was the obvious choice as October's Athlete of the Month. In Doha, on 22nd October, he won the first of his golds, in the F42 shot put, and followed this six days later with a winning 49.59m in the F42 discus, an improvement on his own world record. And all this only a couple of months after a hernia operation. Congratulations Aled.

As Athlete of the Month, Aled receives a gift voucher from sports shop Run and Become, to whom we are grateful for this support. Run and Become is at 100 St Mary Street, Cardiff or can be found at www.runandbecome.com.

Athlete of the Month - September 2015

Tom Hanson had been a strong candidate for August's athlete of the month but clinched it for September with his contribution to the club's UK YDL fifth place in the national final in Birmingham on 5th September. Not only did he win the under 15 boys' shot put A competition with a league record throw of 15.49m, but he also won the B discus and ran a powerful third leg in the 4x100m relay. His day was complete when he was awarded the Norma Blaine Performance of the Match Award. Earlier in the year, Tom had set a new club record of 15.75m for the under 15 boys shot put and is ranked second in the UK.

As Athlete of the Month, Tom receives a gift voucher from sports shop Run and Become, to whom we are grateful for this support. Run and Become is at 100 St Mary Street, Cardiff or can be found at www.runandbecome.com.

Athlete of the Month - August 2015

An ever-present in the Cardiff team, Elliza ejoyed a succession of wins in August. She started the month, on 1st, with wins over 100m and 200m at the Welsh Under 15 League in Hereford and repeated her 100m win in the next round in Newport on 23rd. At the Welsh Inter Regional Championships in North Wales on 29th August, Elliza took the gold medal in the 100m and, two days later, won over 100m again in the Swansea Junior Games. Her good form continued into September where she won the 100m at the YDL Final in Birmingham.

As Athlete of the Month, Elliza receives a gift voucher from sports shop Run and Become, to whom we are grateful for this support. Run and Become is at 100 St Mary Street, Cardiff or can be found at www.runandbecome.com.

Athlete of the Month - July 2015

Bethan Davies is one of Britain's best race walkers and has set a string of personal best times (from 2k to 20k) this year. After setting best times for 2k and 20k in May and June, Bethan took the silver medal in the 5k walk at the British Championships in Birmingham on 5th July in a time of 22:06.46, a new Welsh record. Since then she has set a 3k best on 2nd August. Bethan is ranked first in the UK for the 3k walk and second for 5k and 20k.

As Athlete of the Month, Bethan receives a gift voucher from sports shop Run and Become, to whom we are grateful for this support. Run and Become is at 100 St Mary Street, Cardiff or can be found at www.runandbecome.com.

Athlete of the Month - June 2015

On 13th June, Rhianwedd Price, currently at university in the USA, won the NCAA 1500m championship in Eugene, Oregon. Her time of 4:09.56 was a personal best and club record and took her to third place on the latest UK rankings. She was selected to represent Great Britain over 1500m in the European Team Championships in Cheboksary, Russia on 21st June. Running a superb race and leading in the final stages, Rhianwedd finally finished in third place and was regarded as the British performance of the match. She will now represent Great Britain in the European Under 23 Championships in July.

As Athlete of the Month, Rhianwedd receives a gift voucher from sports shop Run and Become, to whom we are grateful for this support. Run and Become is at 100 St Mary Street, Cardiff or can be found at www.runandbecome.com.

Athlete of the month - May 2015

During the UK Youth Development League match in Bath on Saturday, 30th May, Jay (13) improved the club's under 15 boys discus record by a huge five metres to 48.87m, a distance that took him to the number one spot in the latest UK rankings. In addition, at the same match, he won the B shot put competition (also with a personal best) as well as the A hammer competition.

Jay is an excellent team member, turning out whenever selected and willing to take part in several events for the good of the team.

As Athlete of the Month, Jay receives a gift voucher from sports shop Run and Become, to whom we are grateful for this support. Run and Become is at 100 St Mary Street, Cardiff or can be found at www.runandbecome.com.

Athlete of the month - April 2015

Talented Lauren Evans (14) has started the outdoor season strongly, setting a new club record of 11.97 seconds for the 80m hurdles. Lauren set the hurdles record during the UK YDL (upper age group) match at Yate on 18th April and improved on the long standing record held by Welsh Commonwealth Games athlete Rachel King (who just happens to be Lauren's PE teacher at Cardiff High School). A week later Lauren ran even faster at the Welsh League in Cardiff on 24th April, clocking 11.63, but with a strong following wind - so no record.

Lauren is also a very good high jumper and, at the Yate YDL match, set an outdoor personal best of 1.65m, which equals her best indoors.

As Athlete of the Month, Lauren receives a gift voucher from sports shop Run and Become, to whom we are grateful for this support. Run and Become is at 100 St Mary Street, Cardiff or can be found at www.runandbecome.com.

Athlete of the month - March 2015

Isabel Breeden (13) has set three personal best performances in March, following two others in February. At an indoor meeting in Birmingham on 29th March, she ran a personal best of 11.84 secs for the 75m hurdles, a time which ranks her 4th in the UK under 15 rankings. Her other personal bests in March (also in Birmingham on 29th) were in the 60m (8.41) and the 100m (13.22). She was also a member of Cardiff's silver medal winning team in the Welsh Athletics club relays championships. In February she produced personal bests in the 60m hurdles and 200m.

As Athlete of the Month, Isabel receives a gift voucher from sports shop Run and Become, to whom we are grateful for this support. Run and Become is at 100 St Mary Street, Cardiff or can be found at www.runandbecome.com.

Athlete of the month - February 2015

Abi Fisher (13) has enjoyed a string of successes in February. Having set the scene by coming fourth in January at the Cardiff Cross Challenge, Abi went to Milton Keynes on 7th February and improved to second place in the next round of the British Cross Challenge. Four days later she was crowned Welsh Schools junior girls' cross country champion in Brecon and four days after that she won the gold medal in the under 15 girls' Welsh indoor 1500m championship. To complete her month in style, Abi, who is coached by Phil Banning, travelled to Corwen in North Wales on 21st February and returned as the under 15 girls' Welsh Cross Country Champion.

With this kind of talent and form, Abi can look forward to a successful track season.

As Athlete of the Month, Abi receives a gift voucher from sports shop Run and Become, to whom we are grateful for this support. Run and Become is at 100 St Mary Street, Cardiff or can be found at www.runandbecome.com.

Athlete of the month - January 2015

Cardiff's international paralympian and multi-medallist Aled Davies produced not one but two world record shot put performances in January. Coached by Ryan Spencer Jones, Aled improved the indoor F42 record to 15.53m at the indoor grand prix at NIAC on 11th January and then added 3cms more with a put of 15.56m at the Welsh Indoor Championships on 25th January; which earned him the overall silver medal.

Aled already holds the F42 outdoor world record with 15.13m and seems set for a massive improvement on this in the summer.

As Athlete of the Month, Aled receives a gift voucher from sports shop Run and Become, to whom we are grateful for this support. Run and Become is at 100 St Mary Street, Cardiff or can be found at www.runandbecome.com.

Athlete of the month - December 2014

After a year of steady progress, James (15) finished 2014 with a flourish by winning the age 14-15 race at the popular new year's eve Nos Galan Races: he had come second in 2013.

James excels at both the 800m and high jump (an unusual combination) and has improved his personal best in both events during the year; the 800m from 2:11.93 to 2:02.89 and the high jump from 1.54m to 1.77. He is highly ranked in th UK in both events and can look forward to further progress in 2015.

Athlete of the month - November 2014

Naomi has put together a string of good performances during November, culminating in a fine fifth place in the under 15 girls' race at the British Athletics Cross Challenge in Liverpool on 29th November, just ahead of club colleague and close rival Abi Fisher in 7th. The Liverpool race, which included many of the best runners in Britain, was a big step up in quality for Naomi who, earlier in the month, had won the Welsh Inter Schools cross country championship in Brecon on 15th (with Abi second) and had placed fifth in the Gwent Cross Country League in Cardiff on 9th November (on this occasion Abi was third).

Naomi has continued her run of good form into December with second place in last Saturday's Gwent League in Brecon. 

Athlete of the month - October 2014

In his first attempt at the distance Cardiff's Ieuan Thomas produced an outstanding run in the Cardiff Half Marathon on 5th October, to finish in 7th place in the excellent time of 65:40 minutes, in the process becoming Welsh Champion and UK championship bronze medallist. This performance crowned an excellent seaeson for Ieuan (coached by former Cardiff AAC captain James Thie) during which he set a new personal best at 3000m steeplechase and also debuted at 10,000m on the track. 

Athlete of the month - September 2014

Jonathan Hopkins (22) has enjoyed his most successful year, setting personal best times at 1500m (3:53.10), 3,000m steeplchase (8:48.85 in his first season at the event) and 5k on the road. He crowned this with a personal best of 30:21 in winning the Cardiff 10k road race in September becoming the first Cardiff athlete to win this prestigious event for many years. He went on to clock on excellent 68:21 in the Cardiff half marathon a few days ago (his debut at this distance). The last Cardiff AAC athlete win the Cardiff 10k was Justin Hobbs in 1994 and, before him, Dennis Fowles in 1986.

Athlete of the month - August 2014

Brett has been selected as August's athlete of the month for the outstanding contribution he made to the club's British League team at its final fixture in Manchester on 9th August. Not only did Brett take part in his speciality discus throw, winning with 61.38m, but, in support of the team, he also stepped in for the shot put and hammer throw. Later in the month, Brett turned out for the South Wales team and won the discus and shot put at the Welsh inter regional championships in Swansea.

In July's Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Brett had been the best performing Cardiff athlete, finishing fifth in the discus. He was controversially omitted from the British European Championships team, despite having thrown the qualifying distance in a specially arranged competition in Cardiff. Brett is Britain's leading discus thrower and again has headed this year's ranking with 63.34m

Athlete of the month - July 2014

The outstanding performance of the month was David Omoregie's bronze medal in the 110m hurdles at the World Junior Championships at Eugene, Oregon (USA). This was the climax of a break-through year for David which had seen him set new UK and European records. He had also produced excellent times over the senior hurdles finishing with a personal best time of 13.53, set in Oregon a few days after his World medal.

David is set for a fine career inn thletics.

Athlete of the month - June 2014

On 14th June, Jake became Welsh under 20 champion at 800m with a time of 1:57.14. On Sunday, 30th June, Jake travelled to Milton Keynes with the club's UK Development League team, expecting to compete only in the 800m; which he duly did, coming second in the A race. As the team needed maximum points to maintain its position in the division, Jake was asked to fill spaces in other events and ended the day having contested five events. In addition to the 800m, Jake completed the triple jump (2nd in the B event), the shot put (4th in the B event), 110m hurdles (3rd in the A event) and the high jump (unfortunately he was not able to clear a height).

Jake was not the only one to support the team in this way but did more events than anyone else and was a good example of the team spirit in all the athletes; leaving the team in a good position (with only one more round to come) to keep its divisional place. Jake represented this team sprit.

Athletes of the month - May 2014

Both individually and collectively, these four Cardiff sprinters have had an excellent month. In combination, Dewi Hammond, Sam Gordon, Gareth Hopkins and David Omoregie crowned a great overall team performance at May's BAL match by winning the 4x100m relay in 41.73, David Omoregie holding off GB international Mark Lewis Francis on the last leg. This squad should be capable of challenging the club record of 39.73 set in 2002. Individually, all four established personal best sprint times at the Welsh Championships on 31 May where Dewi Hammond won the 100m title, Sam Gordon the 200m and David Omoregie the 110m hurdles. 

Athlete of the month - April 2014

John Cove (17) has shown steady progress and excelled himself by setting a new personal best and breaking 4 minutes for 1500m in winning the Cardiff & Vale of Glamorgan Schools Championships on 8th April. His time was 3:56.75, a performance that he has since improved again. Later in the month, on 10th April, he finished a fine 6th in the London Mini Marathon, helping the Welsh team to first place.

Athlete of the month - March 2014

As in February, there could be only one winner of the March athlete of the month. Former captain James Thie's outstanding achievement of winning three gold medals at the World masters' indoor championships in Budapest clinched the vote for him. Racing four times in four days, James (35) won the 3000m, 800m and 1500m.

James had been athlete of the month last November for winning the British and Irish masters' cross country championships and should be an inspiration to all ambitious athletes.

Athlete of the month - February 2014

After missing out narrowly in January, David Omoregie was the runaway Athlete of the Month in February with a string of fine performances over the 60m hurdles. Following on his 7.84 in Austria on 31 January, David went to the UK championships in Sheffield on 8th February and took the senior bronze medal with a personal best 7.78. The following week, at the Birmingham indoor grand prix, he lined up against the world's leader and ran 7.82 over the senior hurdles. These performances alone would have warranted the Athlete of the Month title but David proved they were no flukes by setting a new UK and European junior record of 7.62, again in Sheffield, on 2nd March.

Athlete of the month - January 2014

Curtis clinched the Athlete of the month title with his outstanding performance at the under 23 Combined Events international held in Sheffield on 25/26 January where he set three individual event personal bests to produced a personal best total score of 5,205 points in the indoor heptathlon.

He had set his previous best score only a few weeks ago at the same venue.

It was a close call between Curtis and David Omoregie who also produced outstanding personal bests over the 60m hurdles.

Athlete of the month - December 2013

Annwen made an excellent start to December, taking second place in the third Gwent cross Country League fixture at Bath on 8th December. (She had also place second in the first two rounds and is ranked second overall in the under 13 age group.) She consolidated her form by winning the inter-regional title in Builth Wells on 14th December, where she led Cardiff athletes home in the first four places.

To prove that her December form was not a fluke, she travelled to Antrim for the British Cross Country Challenge on 4th January and won the under 13 race, returning home as one of only two Welsh winners.

Athlete of the month - November 2013

Former club captain James Thie is winding up the year in fine style with a series of strong runs. Having recently joined the ranks of the masters age group, James (35) won the gold medal at the British and Irish Masters Cross Country championships held in Cardiff on 16th November. This followed his triumph in the Welsh Athletics road mile championship the previous month as well as regular outings in the Gwent Cross Country League.

Athlete of the month - October 2013

Ffion Price clinched her selection as October's athlete of the month with her win at the first Gwent Cross Country League of the season, held at Pontypool on 19th October. She was the convincing winner of the senior, under 23 and universities categories. Her Gwent League successes followed her equally convincing victory in the Welsh road mile championship held in Cardiff City centre on 5th October as a part of the Welsh half marathon weekend. To add to these local victories, and demonstrate her versality, Ffion travelled to Morbegno, Italy, where she was the first finishing under 23 and fifth overall in the annual Trofeo Vanoni mountain race.

Athlete of the month - September 2013

Anyone who has seen mountain running will know that it is not for the faint hearted.  Ciaran Lewis (16) after a busy season improving as a steeplechaser, took to the mountains of Scotland in September and triumphed in the British and Irish Junior mountain running championships. Not only did Ciaran win the gold medal in his age group but he was the only non English athlete in all the age groups to stand on top of the podium, male or female; an outstanding achievement. 

Athlete of the month - August 2013

Harry Hillman concluded the serious part of his season with two medals at the England Athletics under 15 championships in Bedord on 31 August. In his favoured 80m hurdles he took the silver medal but surprised everyone (perhaps even himself) with a bronze medal in the pole vault. In only his second pole vault competition, he cleared 3.40m, a height that took him to third place in the UK under 15 rankings.

Harry turned 15 in early September ago so will move up an age group next year.

Athlete of the month - July 2013

Dani Cocking has been a loyal member of Cardiff's senior UK Women's Athletic League team but surpassed herself in Wigan on 7th July when she competed in five events.

Apart from winning her speciality 800m in a personal best time of 2:11.11, Dani (23) also set a pb in the 200m (25.88) and a season's best in the triple jump. She ended her busy day by running in both the 4x100m and 4x400m relays and was rewarded with the title of Athlete of the Match.

The Athlete of the Month is supported by Nike and receives a Nike voucher.

Athlete of the month - June 2013

Ryan can count June as his most successful month so far. At Swansea, on 22nd, he won the Welsh under 17 400m title in a personal best time of 50.70 seconds, a big improvement on his previous times and one which sees him top the Welsh rankings for his age group. The following weekend, in Cardiff, Ryan, still only 15, made the final of the Senior men's Welsh 400m championship. The following day he travelled to Cheltenham with the Cardiff AAC National Youth Development League team and set further personal bests in the 400m hurdles (58.2) and the 200m (23.1).

Ryan is coached by Helen James and is one of our most promising young athletes.

The Athlete of the Month is supported by Nike and receives a Nike voucher.

Athlete of the month - May 2013

At the South Wales regional championships held in Newport on 25th May, Jessica (12) won three gold medals, all with personal best times.

She won the 100m in 14.22 (having set a pb of 13.99 in the semi final), the 200m in 29.83 and the 800m in 2:34.97. In the 800m she led a clean sweep of all the medals by Cardiff AAC athletes.

The Athlete of the Month is supported by Nike and receives a Nike voucher.

Athlete of the month - April 2013

In the national 20k walking championships, held at the University of Warwick in Coventry on 28th April, Beth Davies produced one of the fastest ever debuts by a British woman in taking her first national title at in a time of 1:44.15, a new Welsh record. She has been rewarded for her record breaking win with a place in the great Britain team to contest the European Cup of Race Walking to be held in Dudince, Slovakia on 19th May.

Bethan competed in her first race walking race only a year ago and has made remarkable progress to head the current UK rankings and move to 12th on the all time list.

Athlete of the month - March 2013

Kate has enjoyed a successful winter competition season, winning gold and silver medals indoors as well as running outdoors on road and country.

At the Welsh road relay championships, held at Llandow on 18th March, Kate clocked the fastes leg of the day in helping her under 17 women's club team to the silver medal. A week later she was captain of the Welsh schools' girls team at the SIAB schools international in West Wales, finishing her individual race in a creditable ninth place. She has been selected to run in the London Mini Marathon on 20th April.

Kate is a loyal member of the club and fully deserves to be the athlete of the month.

Athlete of the month - February 2013

Mike Ward crowned a solid cross country season with a fine run in the Welsh Cross Country Championships, held at Glanusk on 16th February, to take the under 20 men's title and lead the Cardiff team to a silver medal.

A week later, in much colder conditions, Mike won the Welsh Schools senior boys' cross country title in Brecon.

Athlete of the month - January 2013

David Omoregie has got his membership of Cardiff off to a flying start by securing January's athlete of the month accolade. Over 26th and 27th January in Valencia, Spain, he produced five personal bests and a lifetime best score of 5,067 points to take the bronze medal in an international under 20 heptathlon contest.

David, only 17, who is coached by Mike Guest (David Guest's father), is one of Wales' most talented young athletes and surely has a fine career ahead of him.

Athlete of the month - December 2012

Ava Hutchinson's career is a testament to steady progress and she reached a new high as the third scoring member of the Irish team that took the gold medal at the European Cross Country Championships held in Budapest on 9th December.

2012 was a good year for Ava as she also represented Ireland in the marathon at the London Olympic Games.

Athlete of the month - November 2012

Sofia Vella was the winner in the Novice Girls age group at the Gwent Cross Country League held in Brecon on 11th November, after finishing second at Bridgend in October.

She was also a regular member of the Welsh junior league team during the summer.

Athlete of the month - October 2012

Nat Lane concluded a year of consistent running by topping the Run Wales road running series which concluded with the Cardiff half marathon in October. He thus proved himself as the best Welsh road runner over the series.

Nat has been a loyal club member for a long time and we congratulate him on this achievement. This is the second time that Nat has been athlete of the month. Almost exactly a year ago he took the bronze medal in the first Commonwealth Trail Running Championship.

Athlete of the month - September 2012

Tasia Stephens (15) who competes in Cardiff's Young Athletes' League team and is coached by John Davies has shown steady improvement through the 2012 season. After competing in the Schools Games at the Olympic Stadium in May, where she placed third, Tasia went on to place second in the National Championships in August with another club record in her favourite event, the javelin. This made her a contender for August's athlete of the month but she clinched it in September at Bedford in the Javelin Carnival where she finished her season with yet another pesonal best and club record, throwing 41.68m. She is ranked third in the UK under 17 (she is only 15) age group.

Athlete of the month - August 2012

Ryan Cooper (16) who is coached by Helen James has shown a big improvement in 2012, setting personal bests at 400m hurdles (55.87) and 400m (52.44). His hurdles best was set during the Schools Games at the Olympic stadium. In August, at the national championships at Bedford, Ryan took the bronze medal in the 400m hurdles and he is ranked 8th in the UK at this event.

Athlete of the month - July

Jac Palmer (16) has enjoyed an excellent season, breaking the 60m barrier with the 5k hammer and setting new under 17 club and Welsh marks in the process.

Coached by father Adrian, Jac started the year with a new personal best 55.44m at the Olympic Park in London and steadily improved, setting a new Welsh standard of 63.52m in July. He subsequently improved again to 63.85m in August.

Jac was also captain of the Welsh team at the schools international in July.

Athlete of the month - June

The choice of athlete of the month for June was a difficult one, with two outstanding candidates, Rhys Williams and Gareth Warburton. Gareth's outstanding personal best 800m in Oslo on 7th June (1:44.98 - a Welsh national record and club record) put him in pole position until Rhys' magnificent series of races in Helsinki which saw him crowned as European 400m hurdles champion and complete his set of European medals.

Athlete of the month - April

After finishing first in the National Lottery Olympic Park Run at the Olympic Stadium on 31 March, Tommy ran the first leg in the National 12 Stage road relay championships on 14th April, finishing second and producing the third fastest long leg of the day of 26.09min.

Tommy(26) is living in Loughborough.

Athlete of the month - March

Although having only joined the club a few months ago, Ellie has quickly shown that she can compete with the best. Her excellent sixth place in the SIAB Schools cross country international in Scotland on 31st March was the best by a Welsh athlete.

Still only 15, Ellie, who is a member of Paul Darney's coaching group, is a student at Llantwit Major school.

Athlete of the month - February

Joe Thomas was a candidate for athlete of the month in January but continued a series of scintillating indoor performance to clinch the position in February. After setting an indoor personal best for 800m of 1:47.35 in Cardiff on 28th January he proceeded to set a new personal standard in every race, culminating in a fine 1:46.33 in Stockholm on 23rd February.

Coached by Arwyn Davies, he was an automatic choice for the Great Britain team to contest the IAAF World Indoor Championships in Istanbul in March.

Athlete of the month - January

On 21st January, in the Welsh indoor championships at NIAC, Tom (14) cleared 1.86m in the high jump to take the gold medal, to improve his own personal best by no less than 10cms and to lead the UK under 15 rankings in 2012. A week later he cleared 5.80m in the long jump, to place him second in the UK at that event.

Tom is coached by Stephen Bailey and John Penny and is also an accomplished basketball player.

Athlete of the month - December

Michelle Allen is December's athlete of the month for her performance in the Welsh Inter Regional Cross Country Championships held in Builth Wells on 10th December. Running in the combined senior and under 23 race, Michelle was the winner of the under 23 championship and was 5th in the overall race.

Michelle, 21, is in her final year at Loughborough University where she is studying sports science.

Athlete of the month - November

Charlotte is November's athlete of the month for two particularly good performances. On 13th November, she was the second runner home in the under 23 category at the McCain Cross Country Challenge in Bristol and, a couple of weeks later, was eighth in the under 23 category at the Liverpool challenge, which counted as the UK trial for the European Cross Country Championship.

Charlotte is a member of James Thie's rapidly improving coaching group and is one of our most promising female athletes.

Athlete of the month - October

In the first Gwent League of this season, at Bridgend on 9th October, Jake won the under 13 boys' race and then went on to win the under 14 race of the South Wales Regional Schools championship.

Jake has been a promising member of Tim Fry's and Diane Hains' training group for some time and has shown great promise.

Athlete of the month - September

There could only be one athlete of the month in September after Nat's fine run in the Commonwealth Trail Running Championship where he took the bronze medal and helped the Welsh team to a 1-2-3 placing and the team title.

Held over a multi terrain course of some 55k, including a stretch along the beach, to come third in a field of approximately 100 runners from the Commonwealth was a fine achievement.

Athlete of the month - July 2011

Matthew Field (16) is July's athlete of the month for his performances on behalf of Welsh Schools in the SIAB international, held in Cardiff on 16th July. Not content with winning the discus, he also took second place in the shot put, with a personal best performance of 16.24m. On 28th July he improved his shot put best to set a new Welsh under 17 record of 17.26m, a distance that ranks him second in the UK.

He is also ranked first in the UK in his age group with the senior shot (7.26kg) which he has thrown 12.48m and second with the junior implement (6kg) at 14.59m. He is ranked third in the UK in his age group with the under 17 discus with 51.12m and second with the heavier junior implement at 44.34m.

Matthew is coached by Nigel Bevan and is one of Wales' most promising young throwers.

Athlete of the month - June 2011

Elliot set an excellent new personal for 800m best of 1:51.82 on 15th June which put him top of the UK rankings in his age group and earned him selection for the Great Britain team at the World Youth Championships in Lille, France. He is pictured in the World Youth Championships.

Still only 16, Elliot, who is coached by Arwyn Davies, has improved his best 800m time this year by nearly 5 seconds and, in the process, has taken one of the club's oldest records.

Athlete of the month - May 2011

On 2 May, at Bedford, Chris won the British Universities Championship 3000m steeplechase in a time of 9:10.19. Three weeks later, on 22 May, he won the 3000m steeplechase at the Loughborough International. Chris, aged 31, is coached by James Thie and set a personal best time of 9:03.24 in 2010.

Athlete of the month - April 2011

George is May's athlete of the month for his performance in the National Sporthall Athletics finals, held in Birmingham. Representing the Cardiff and Vale team, George (14) was the third best athlete overall in the finals, equalled the Welsh standing long jump record and helped the team to third place overall, its best ever performance. George, coached by Dave Hawthorn, is currently ranked eighth in the UK in the under 15 long jump with 5.79m.

Athlete of the month - March 2011

Rowan produced the best Welsh performance at the home countries cross country international held in Antrim, Northern Ireland on Saturday, 26th March. Competing in the junior men's race, Rowan rose to the occasion finishing in 7th place after a desperate sprint for the line with Englishman Jamie Roden, both crossing the line together with Roden just getting the nod for 6th place.

Athlete of the month - February 2011

Joe Thomas set two outsanding personal best time in February. On 13th February he clocked 1:47.87 for his number one event, the 800m, in the UK trials at Sheffield, thus gaining selection for the European Championships in Paris. On 26th he set a new personal standard in the 400m with a time of 47.94, running for the Cardiff Dragons team at Cardiff's NIAC.

Athlete of the month - January 2011

Tracey became the automatic choice as February's athlete of the month with her outstanding performances in the recent Paralympic World Championships in New Zealand where she won two medals, a silver in the 400m (T11) and a bronze in the 200m (T11).

These exploits follow her Olympic achievements; in 1992 she won two silver medals and a bronze and, in 2000, she won one silver and two bronze medals.

Athlete of the month - December 2010

As the bad weather disrupted so much of the competition programme in December, the award has gone to the snowman.

We hope to be back to normal in 2011.

Athlete of the month - November 2010

Adam is November's athlete of the month for his excellent run in the McCain Liverpool Cross challenge on Sunday 28th November when he narrowly missed selection for the Great Britain team to compete in the European Cross Country Championships.

Adam is a student at UWIC in Cardiff and is coached by GB international James Thie.

Athlete of the month - October 2010

Ava Hutchinson has been selected as October's athlete of the month for her fine run in the National four stage road relay championship held in Birmingham on 16th October. Irish international Ava ran the first leg for the Cardiff ladies' team and handed over in first place, recording the fifth fastest time of all the runners who competed.

Athlete of the month - September 2010

Cardiff's Michael Johnson clinched his second Welsh title in a month, finishing in a personal best time for the 10k distance of 29:50 in the Cardiff 10k on 12th September. This followed his capture of the Welsh 5k title on 22nd August. A couple of weeks later, he was the first British athlete home in the Swansea 10k with another fast time.

Athlete of the month - August 2010

Cardiff's Ffion Bodilly took the high jump Gold Medal at the England Athletics Under 17 Championships in Bedford on 21 August with a leap of 1.73m.

She had been the only Welsh winner at the Schools international held in Glasgow in July and, a few days into September, has set a new personal best in winning the high jump at the UK Schools Games held in Gateshead.

Athletes of the month - July 2010

This month there were two clear candidates and it was impossible to separate them as each won a silver medal in the European Championships in Barcelona.

Christian Malcolm made a superb comeback to miss the gold medal by the thickness of his vest after leading the favourite for almost the whole of the 200m final.

Rhys Williams likewise put behind him three years of injury to take the silver medal in the 400m hurdles in a personal best time, breaking 49 secs for the first time.

Two worthy athletes of the month.

Athlete of the month - June 2010

Rhiannon (19) has become an important member of the UK Women's League team, usually competing in at least two events. In the first round match in Cardiff on 5th June, she won the Long Jump A and took second place in the 100m B. For her contributions she was chosen as athlete of the match.

In the Welsh championships on 12 June, she won silver medals in the Long Jump and 100m; in the process establishing a personal best time of 11.98 for the latter.

Rhiannon is studying at UWIC and is coached by Sean Power.

Athlete of the month - May 2010

On 19th May, Gareth won an 800m race at Watford in a personal best time of 1:47.38 which is also well within Wales' qualifying time (1:48.00) for selection for this year's Commonwealth Games in Delhi and took him to second place in this year's UK rankings.

A librarian at UWIC, Gareth (27) also clocked an impressive 1:48.53 in winning at Loughborough on 23 May.

Having competed in the last Commonwealth Games, his ambition is to achieve the double selection.

After stepping up from the 400m a few years' ago (Gareth's best time was 46.45 and he was a member of Great Britain's silver medal winning 4x400m relay at the 2005 European Indoor Championships), Gareth has made steady progress at the two lap race.

Athlete of the month - April 2010

With a fine early season race over 400m, James, only 17, heads the Welsh under 20 rankings with an excellent 49.00 secs which he ran in Bath on 10th April.

A student at St Cyres School, Penarth, James is coached by Helen James and narrowly missed selection for the Youth Olympic trials to be held in Moscow.

Athlete of the month - March 2010

Alex has been selected as athlete of the month as a result of his improvement during the winter season. He is a determined athlete and, in only his first season of cross country, made the Welsh schools's team for the home countries international in March and finished as the second placed Welsh team member.

He had also won the Welsh indoor under 17 800m title in a championship record time which placed him 15th in the UK rankings.

His solid winter's training should pay dividends for Alex in the forthcoming track season.

Athlete of the month - February 2010

Alex Hains is February's athlete of the month for his winning performance in the Welsh Cross Country Championships in Swansea on 20th February.

Alex took the senior men's individual title in emphatic style, running away from the field from the start, and, with Nat Lane second, led the club's team to regain its Welsh title.

This performance capped an excellent run in January's Cardiff Cross Challenge when he had finished in fourth place.

Athlete of the month - January 2010

Gareth's performances in the Welsh indoor championships have earned for him the title of athlete of the month.

In the Under 20 championships, held on 31 January, he won the 200m (22.13) and 400m (50.00) and took third place in the 60m (7.10). In the 400m heats he had set a championship best performance of 49.46.

Gareth competed in the senior championships on 23 January, winning the 200m in a new championship record of 22.16 and taking fifth in the 60m.

Gareh is coached by Helen James who was herself an international sprinter.

Athlete of the month - December 2009

Besides winning the Welsh Inter Regional title at Builth Wells in December, Mike was selected after the race for the Welsh U17 team to take part in the Celtic International in Belfast on the 23rd January.

Mike also won the October (Bridgend) and November (Bath) Gwent League Under 15 races and was 3rd in Taunton.

Only training twice weekly and playing rugby so far, Mike has excellent future potential.

Athlete of the month - November 2009

Cardiff member and Irish international Ava Hutchinson' selection to represent her native country in the European Cross Country Championships which will be held in Dublin on 13th December has earned for her the title of athlete of the month.

Competing for her Irish club Dundrum South Dublin AC, Ava (pictured during the race) was sixth in the Irish Inter County championships at the Kilbeggan Racecourse, near Dublin, to gain selection.

Ava lives and works in Loughborough and competes regularly for Cardiff. She will be very much at home in the European Championships as Dublin is her home town.

Athlete of the month - October 2009

Tom Marshall has been selected as October's athlete of the month for his fine run in the National 6 stage road relays held on 17th October in Birmingham.

Tom ran the first leg, finishing in 6th place in 17:17, the second fastest time ever recorded by a Cardiff athlete in this race. The fastest time is held by Olympian Christian Stevenson.

Tom had also won the Welsh 5k road race championship held on 27th September.

Athlete of the month - September 2009

Lewis is selected as the athlete of the month for his performance in the UK Schools Games where he was one of only 8 Welsh athletes to finish in a medal position. His pole vault of 3.85m earned him the bronze medal.

Lewis was also a member of the triumphant Young Athletes' League team being chosen as the athlete of the match at the fourth round fixture. He was also the club's under 17 athlete of the year and is seen with his award at the presentation evening.

He ended the year ranked third in the UK under 17 pole vault with his best performance of 4.40m set in Carmarthen on 1st August.

Athlete of the month - August 2009

After setting a personal best time of 1:46.20 for 800m in 2008, Joe could expect to look forward to 2009 as an important year in his career; until he was struck by illness which severely disrupted his season.

He has finished 2009 with a bang, clocking a near pb of 1:46.36 on 6th August and following this with a fine third place in the British Grand Prix at Gateshead on 31 August, beating British No. 1 Michael Rimmer.

Joe is ranked third on the UK table for 2009.

Athlete of the month - July 2009

There could be only one candidate for July's athlete of the month after Simon Lawson crowned a fabulous season by taking the silver medal in the 10,000m at the European Junior Championships in Novi Sad, Serbia. His time of 30.35.62 was outside his best but this is not significant in such an important race.

Simon's was the first British medal in these Championships.

Earlier this season, Simon set a new Welsh Junior 10,000m record of 30.03.90 before becoming UK National champion over the same distance and qualifying for Novi Sad.

After the race Simon said “Coming here and taking a medal is great. I think more athletes should run 10k, but I know they can be discouraged from doing it. I’m running about 100 miles a week and yes I may burn out but you don’t know unless you try. What’s the point of running 1500s until you’re 26 or 27, by then it could be too late. Just get out there and do it – that’s what I’m about!”

Well, he has certainly gone out and done it - in style.

Athlete of the month - June 2009

Jamaul Whyte completed a successful June's competition programme by winning the Welsh Schools Championship middle boys' titles in both the 100m and 200m and by being selected in both events for the Welsh Schools teams for the schools international to be held in Antrim on 18th July and for the UK Schools Games in Cardiff on 5/6 September.

Still only 15, and at St Teilo's school, Jamaul had already established himself as an important and inspirational member of the club's successful Young Athletes' League team, regularly winning the 100m and 200m and, as a multi eventer, competing in other events as well.

A talented athlete and a character, Jamaul can be recognised by his trademark long stripey socks and pink hoodie.

Well done Jamaul.

Athlete of the Month - May 2009

Sam Cogan has had an extraordinary May competing for Cardiff AAC. Primarily a 100m/200m runner, she was asked to fill in the 300m at the first National Young Athletes' League meeting at Plymouth and, after a little persuasion on the coach journey to the venue, agreed. She went out to clock a staggering 42.0sec, looking the part and winning by a considerable margin. She has since been undefeated at this event and has improved her best time to 40.7sec (a grade 1 performance), ranking her 1st in Wales and 15th in the UK. She is also ranked 3rd in Wales over 200m with 26.1sec.

Sam was a wonderful team captain in Plymouth and, when she concentrates her training on her new event, will surely run well below 40sec. She is and will continue to be an asset to the club and a role model on the track, exemplified by her determination to maintain her form in the final 100m of a difficult event.

Sam has got off to a flying start in June by becoming Welsh champion with a personal best time. Congratulations Sam.

Athlete of the Month - April 2009.

It was not difficult to select April's athlete of the month after Richie's performance in the 2009 Flora London Marathon on 26 April. His UK third place in 2h 19.48 was his second fastest marathon time but an agonising 8 seconds short of the qualification time needed for next year's Commonwealth Games. A month earlier Richie had finished in 8th place in the Bath Half Marathon, two places behind March's athlete of the month Simon Lawson.

Athlete of the Month - March 2009.

Club member Simon Lawson (only 18) set a new UK Junior record when coming 6th in the Bath Half Marathon on 15th March. Naturally this is also a new Welsh and club record. This was a world class run by Simon who broke the old record (set in 1988) by almost a minute, finishing in 1:05:49.46. Simon is one of the club’s most promising runners and this break through offers much for his future athletic career. Well done Simon and good luck.

8th in the same race was club colleague and distinguished marathoner Richard Gardiner and the club team came first in the team race.