Ricky goes the extra mile in New York

Elite athlete Ricky Stevenson continued his dream season by finishing second in the New Balance indoor mile in New York.

The BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise (Applied Sports Science) student completed the run with a personal best of 3 minutes, 56 seconds, the second time he has broken the four minute mile.

Ricky, who is on Teesside’s Elite Athlete Bursary Scheme and runs for New Marske Harriers, was only narrowly beaten by British Olympian Andy Baddeley, who won the race in 3 minutes, 55 seconds.

Reflecting on his achievement, Ricky said: ‘I felt really strong. I thought I could put Baddeley under more pressure with my kick in the last 200 metres, but he wore me down effectively.’

A magical time Ricky’s coach Steve Shaw was extremely pleased with the performance.

He said: ‘It was a fantastic performance from the young man. Yes, Baddeley beat him, but Ricky is only 21.

‘We aren’t over stretching, Ricky’s just progressing naturally. It really is a magical time for him.’

Ricky’s success in New York came just weeks after he won the Great Edinburgh International Cross Country event.

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