It’s not just tennis stars who shine in Wimbledon.
The festival of 5000s is known for competitive races and fast times. And this year’s edition did not disappoint.
The stand out performance turned out to be from the fifth race of the day. A mixed field boasted several GB internationals along with the in-form Rebecca Johnson.
The earlier rain and wind disappeared entirely and it’s said patches of blue sky were on show. The omens were all good.
Fresh from her first sub-16 minute 5k at Tooting Bec the week before, Rebecca settled into the tight pack with a relaxed gait and easy concentration. It was clear the assembled crowd was about to witness something special.
The clock showed 9:27 at 3000m and on Johnson rolled. The Highgate Harrier who boasts PBs this year of 4:38 in the mile and 9:11 for 3k stuck to her task like glue, finishing with a trademark kick.
Crossing the line in 15:46.71, Johnson took a huge 12 seconds off her PB, nabbing the fastest women’s time of the day, breaking meeting record and bagging some prize money for her efforts - and in the process running one of the top-20 times in the UK this year.
The junior doctor will now swap her spikes for flats at the Home International Cardiff 5k this weekend. There’s surely more to come from our Highgate star this summer!