An athletics sensation from Ripon has been selected to represent Team GB at the European Athletics Championships.
Former Ripon Grammar student and US university athletics sensation Mena Scatchard is from Hutton Conyers near Ripon and is currently studying in the States.
She was named Top Women’s Athlete at Princeton University this year and has been described by the university’s student newspaper as ‘one of the greatest distance runners in Princeton history’.
She is now preparing to transfer to Stanford University following an incredible university athletics career in the US, where she has earned a long list of accolades.
Mena, who left RGS in 2021 after her A-levels, will compete in the 1,500 meters at the under-23 championships in Bergen, Norway, from July 17th-20th.
In her U23 age group, Mena is ranked No. 2 in Britain in the 1,500 and No. 3 in Europe.
She is also ranked No. 2 in Britain and No. 4 in Europe in the 800 meters.
This month, Mena was presented with Princeton’s Von Kienbusch Top Women’s Athlete Award, having been part of three Ivy championship teams (cross country and indoor and outdoor track and field) and finishing runner-up in the mile race at the prestigious National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) championships.
The Daily Princetonian student newspaper reports:
“Scatchard will leave the Tigers having established herself as perhaps the greatest distance runner to ever wear the Orange and Black.
“She holds school records in the 1,500m, mile, 3,000m and 5,000m and owns the highest NCAA finish by a Princeton women’s track and field athlete in any event.”
Mena recently earned Second Team All-American honors at the prestigious NCAA outdoor championships in Eugene, Oregon, capping off an incredible Princeton University athletics career.
According to the Princeton Tigers athletics team news:
“Scatchard now concludes her career in the Orange & Black as an NCAA runner-up, a two-time All-American, eight-time Ivy Champion and the record holder at eight events across indoor and outdoor track.”
Reporting on Mena’s decision to finish her NCAA career in sunny California, the student newspaper explains her reason for choosing Stanford included ‘the California sun, the super nice and talented team there and the facilities and racing opportunities’.
Scatchard was one of this year’s highest-profile transfers, says the report:
“And her move to Stanford signifies the rich getting richer, as Stanford is one of the strongest programs in the NCAA.”
Mena said:
“I’m so excited to train with the girls there. They will be able to push me and challenge my training and racing to new levels.
“I hope to make a positive contribution to the Stanford team and score valuable points.
“I have loved my time at Princeton and would not have changed it for the world.”
At the U23 British trials, held at the Cardiff International Sports Campus, Mena finished second in the 1,500 with a time of 4:28.64.
During her time at RGS, where she achieved an A* and two As at A-level, Mena was crowned Yorkshire Champion three years running and selected to run for the England youth team after being talent spotted by England and British Athletics as a future sporting star.
She set off from her small North Yorkshire village four years ago for the hallowed halls of the prestigious Ivy League institution of Princeton, attracted by its exceptional sporting and training facilities.
At the time, headmaster Jonathan Webb said:
“Mena has been absolutely dedicated to her cross country and athletics throughout her time at RGS.
"Anybody who has seen her running the streets of Ripon and surrounding areas understand the immense focus and determination she has given to this goal.”
She first got into running when she was 11 years old and competed in cross country at RGS, going on to enjoy athletics throughout the summer season.
By third form Mena, who has also represented her school in hockey, started to take running more seriously and joined Ripon Runners club.
Dinosaurs to roar into Harrogate as popular Lego Trail returns
The Old Deanery in Ripon to close fine dining restaurant
Harrogate computer shop wins national award for 'Best Shop Front'
Harrogate author's novel makes stage debut as musical
Harrogate Convention Centre upgrades to bring "major economic boost"
Harrogate Race for Life raises £62,000 towards cancer research
Funding opens for ambitious community projects in Starbeck
Harrogate clinic launches AI brain mapping technology
Alex Bowen unveils Love Island-inspired courtyard at Martin House
Weeton Show appeals for more vintage cars and tractors
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch attends local election campaign launch in Harrogate
Man, 75, arrested for upskirting incident on Harrogate train
Ripon drug dealer jailed for five and a half years
Another tank on us! Knaresborough woman wins latest Free Fuel Friday
New Yorkshire-inspired golf adventure coming to Rudding Park
Marathon runners raise £16,000 for Harrogate police charity
Driver taken to hospital after two-vehicle crash near Harrogate
Harrogate MP welcomes forced adoption apology
Children can visit Fountains Abbey for £1 when travelling by bus this summer
Harrogate Town complete Lewis Payne signing
