Representing the Shildon Running & Athletic Club, Alona May went on to make it a double win both in the 80 meter and 150 meter sprint event in the under 13 girls’ category with a speed of 10.9 seconds and 20.08 seconds respectively during the Kingston Upon Hull Athletic Club Open held at the Costello Stadium at Hull on April 12.
She likewise got the coveted medal in the Long Jump event with a performance record of 4.11 seconds.
Markhim like his sister was able to duplicate her winning performance when he also won both in the 150 meter and 600 meter sprint in the under 10 boys’ category with a dazzling record of 21.71seconds and 1 minute and 50 seconds respectively in the same competition.
Born to British father Mr. Keith Lonsdale and Filipina mother Ms. Marylou Lagrido of barangay Boctol this town, 12-year-old Parkside pupil Alona Mae who enjoys pentathlon ranked 3rd in the United Kingdom under 13’s age group in the 60m sprint whom she claims to be her favorite.
Ten-year-old Markhim who studies at Hartside is already a six-minute miler but because of his age he ended up competing against fully-blown teenagers.
“It was incredible to watch Markhim won in last year’s one kilometer run against 15-year-olds while he was still nine.  He knew how to think ahead and planned the whole race which was ultimately what got him the win,” quoted Mr. Lonsdale in the UK’s Wear Valley Mercury newspaper interview.
“Alona Mae and Markhim each has a programme where they can see what they expect, what they actually achieve and where they need to improve. If I’m away I get them to send me regularly updates so I can see how they’re doing and if they need a break or not,” Mr. Lonsdale added.
Being the coach himself, Mr. Lonsdale would see to it that both have balanced routine from school, break and practice as he revealed that their passion for athletics came about by chance.
Mr. Lonsdale who met Marylou in China eleven years ago often travels abroad for work. Both now settle in England where the latter currently works at a customers’ service in a department store in London.
The two popular athletes who also engage in 60 meter hurdles, high jump, short putt, discus / javelin throw and cross country are the grandchildren of the late barangay kagawad Melecio Lagrido and the late Jagna Council of Women barangay chairperson Florpina Ranis of Boctol.
Judging by the weight of medals around their necks and the cabinets of trophy, it will be no surprise to see the two Kaliwat-Jagnaanon shooting for glory at future Olympics.