News Items
RIP Dave Hope (20/11/25) NEW
This tribute written by Roger Garland
It is with great sadness that we report the loss of a true stalwart of
Worcester Athletic Club. Dave Hope was one of the original founders of
Worcester Athletic Club in it's current format, having previously
competed as part of the Worcester Harriers running club.
Where Dave really excelled was in his versatility, coupled with an
absolute will to succeed. Years ago I recall seeing him on the BBC
coverage of the London Marathon, waiting to start at the front of the
race with the elite athletes. He was good, but not that good! Dave had
simply moved through the masses to the front as they waited for the
starting hooter!
Dave's skills at Track & Field became obvious many years ago when
he was appointed Team Manager of Worcester Veteran Men's T&F team.
Under his organisational stewardship the team became South Midlands
League Champions, then did it again and again, in fact 25 times in
26 years! It was Dave, leading from the front, that established
our Vet T&F Men as easily the most successful element of Worcester
Athletic Club. If we were short of a Race Walker, Dave was there -
likewise Sprints, Pole Vault, Javelin etc. etc. Some time ago Dave
told me that in Vet's League fixtures he had covered every available
track distance and every Field Event in the programme, except Hammer.
A few years ago a cycling accident whilst abroad led to a stroke - and
ultimately the end of Dave's Team Manager responsibilities and his
competitive involvement. Through his wife, Ros, he maintained a link
with vet athletics and he was an enthusiastic spectator at many of our
fixtures, as recently as this year's Cup Final at Nuneaton.
Sadly, heart failure led to Dave losing his final challenge, passing
away peacefully on Friday 7th November
Dave's funeral is scheduled for 10am on Thursday 11 December at Vale Crematorium near Evesham, followed by a gathering for those who wish to attend at Salwarpe Village Hall on the outskirts of Droitwich. Anyone who wishes to do so can attend.
WAC Member Part of World Record Relay Team (12/10/22)
WAC member Derek Jackson was a member of the W70 team who set a new
world 4x800m
relay record of 10m35.59s in Birmingham on 9th July 2022
Derek Jackson sets new UK Masters V70 records (22/9/21)
Congratulations to Derek Jackson on setting a new British Masters UK V70 mile record of 5'29.7 at Yeovil on 18th September. This follows his BMAF UK V70 1500m record of 5'08.27 at Derby on 21st August.
RIP John Marshall (30/5/21)
We are sad to report that JOHN MARSHALL, a founder of Worcester
Athletic Club, passed
away peacefully on 26th May at Welland House Care Home, Malvern, where
he has been
living for the past few months. Details of his funeral can be obtained
by emailing info@worcester-ac.co.uk.
Iris Holder becomes British All-time Long Jump record holder (17/5/21)
Congratulations to Iris Holder for setting a new Worcester AC club record of 2.86m at Gloucester yesterday in her new age group. This is not just a WAC club record, as Iris smashed the British ALL TIME Long Jump record for W80 by a massive 40cm - a crazy distance!!
Joel Clarke-Khan selected for Great Britain team (25/2/21)
It was announced yesterday that Joel Clarke-Khan has been selected to represent Great Britain and Northern Ireland at the 2021 European Athletics Indoor Championships in Torun, Poland from 4th to 7th March. This follows his PB leap of 2.23m in the trials held at Loughborough on 21st February (see Reports page).
Joel Khan becomes British High Jump Champion 2020 (7/9/20)
Congratulations to Joel Khan on becoming British High Jump Champion at Manchester on 4th September with a jump of 2.18m. This was a particularly notable performance considering his major injury a couple of years ago.
Amy Hughes breaks Club Record which has stood since 1982 (10/8/20)
Congratulations to Amy Hughes who broke the U17 Long Jump record with a leap of 5.41m at Nuneaton yesterday. The previous record, held by Kim Price, was 5.38m which had stood since 1982 - even longer standing than the one broken by Sam.
Sam Davey breaks Club Record which has stood since 1987 (7/8/20)
Congratulations to Sam Davey who broke the U20 800m record with a time of 1'57.09 at Lee Valley on Wednesday evening. The previous record, held by Andy Draper, was 1'58.2 which had stood since 1987.
Lilia Mico Voted ISA Athlete of the Term (20/6/20)
Congratulations to Lilia Mico for being voted Athlete of the Summer Term by the Independent Schools Association (see Gallery for details and picture of Lilia proudly wearing her WAC Tracksuit).
WAC members win medals in Gloucester Cross Country League (6/3/20)
Congratulations to the following WAC members - Lilia Mico (gold medal in the U13 Girls category), James Vaughan and Sam Davey (joint U17 Men silver) and Ben Harle, who along with James and Sam won the U17 Mens team gold. Also well done to all the other members who competed in this league. See Results page for full results.