M11 Track Club, a UK-based training group, is fast becoming one of the most exciting forces in middle-distance running, their recent impact on the Diamond League circuit proves that their athletes are on impressive form.
At the Stockholm Diamond League, Georgia Bell of Great Britain claimed a stunning victory in the women’s 800m. She clocked 1:57.66. She edged out Kenya’s Olympic and world medalist Mary Moraa, who finished close behind in 1:57.83.
Just a few days earlier in Rome, Bell’s training partner Sarah Healy delivered an equally impressive performance. The 22-year-old Irish runner won the 1500m in a season-best time of 3:59.17. She narrowly beat American Sarah Billings, who ran a personal best of 3:59.24.
Speaking after Bell’s win in Stockholm, head coach Jenny Meadows , a former World and European 800m medalist , summed it up simply:
“Momentum builds momentum.”
Meadows leads M11 Track Club alongside her husband and coaching partner, Trevor Painter. Based in Manchester, the group is home to an expanding list of elite middle-distance athletes.
Reflecting on the progress of the team, Meadows said one key difference compared to her own racing days is the strong team atmosphere.
“I was the only professional athlete in my training group when I was competing,” she explained. “Now we’ve got 12 pros, and a few younger athletes coming through.”
Trusting the Process
This shared training environment , where professionals and juniors push each other daily,has proven to be a game-changer.
Bell’s race in Stockholm wasn’t an easy win. The pace was slow early on, keeping the field tightly packed, but Meadows said she trusted Bell’s form.
“She’s in personal best shape,” said Meadows. “And because she’s in such good form, she was able to break free and finish strong.”
That belief is spreading throughout the group.
“Every success from our athletes builds the confidence of the others,” she added. “You see someone do well, and you think, ‘I do the same training, so why not me?’”