Story By Coach Bjorn Jansen
At English Schools, Tommaso Crosara (Tommy) delivered a championship performance on the biggest junior stage in the country, winning the English Schools Junior Boys 300m title. Tommy's route to the top of the podium came from hard work, consistency, and a clear execution plan. Across two rounds, Tommy showed why he's one of the most exciting young sprinters in the UK right now.
An Explosive Start and a Statement Made
His campaign began on Friday in the heats, where he got off to the explosive start we had prepared for. The result: a massive personal best of 35.76, taking nearly half a second off his previous best and breaking his club record. That performance also moved him to UK No.1 in the U15 rankings and 16th on the UK All-Time list. It was a breakthrough moment and a calm, confident signal of what would come.
In Saturday's final, Tommy was composed, focused, and ready. He executed his race model with maturity beyond his years, delivering a controlled first 150m and powering home over the last stretch. His time of 35.95 was enough to take the gold in a tightly contested final. It secured his first-ever English Schools title.
For Tommy, this wasn't just a win but a performance that showed he could produce under pressure. He performed across two days against the best in the country. The way he handled both rounds showed discipline, adaptability, and confidence. These qualities are not coached or developed overnight but come from months of focused training and being consistent in every session.
The Road to English Schools Gold
Tommy's season has been a steady progression, building speed and race composure with every competition. A big focus throughout the year was not just improving his raw pace, but refining his race model, particularly how he distributes effort across the first 150m and transitions through the final 100m when fatigue sets in.
Tommy's training sessions were planned to simulate racing conditions and build the lactic strength needed to finish strong. That detail and consistency became the foundation for his championship weekend. By the time English Schools came around, Tommy wasn't just fit; he was ready.
It's also worth recognising the importance of the English Schools Championships in the pathway of every elite junior athlete in the country. For many, it's the first authentic taste of championship racing with heats and finals. The atmosphere, pressure, and expectation can rattle even the most prepared athletes. But Tommy embraced the occasion and executed like a true competitor.
What's Next For Tommy?
With Nationals on the horizon and a summer of racing still to come, Tommy's focus now shifts to recovery and sharpening. Tommy is chasing the next level of performance, and as his coach, I fully welcome that mindset. Championship racing has a rhythm and demands all of its own, and now that he's mastered that experience, he's better prepared for whatever comes next.
Tommy's story will continue, and the next chapter will be just as exciting if English schools are anything to go by.
On to the next one.
