Barbara Banks, Wallasey's Sports Personality for 1968-69, showed that she is not one for resting on her laurels by making a strong bid for the same title for 1969-70.
On July 5, at Stretford, in a strong field which contained most of the top British middle distance runners, Barbara went to the front almost straight from the gun full of confidence and not overawed by the fact that this was the A.A.A. women's national 3,000 metres championship.
Up to the halfway mark Barbara led the field and ensured that there was going to be a fast time for this the metric equivalent of a two mile race.
Then Eire's Ann O'Brien took the lead and held on to win in 9m 47.8s for a United
Kingdom all-comers' record.
Barbara, without whom there probably would have been no record, was rewarded for her courageous front running with second place and a new U.K., native and national records with a time of 9 mins. 54s.
Another member of Wallasey A.C. who can be proud of himself is Bob Warburton who last weekend competed in the All-England Schools' Championships. Although eliminated before the final itself Bob had to win the Cheshire title to qualify and had to meet, a stiff standard time.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Friday, 18/07/1969 by B.S.
Ref 1501