Talented Highfield pupil sprints his way to success

Highfield Leadership Academy pupil Charlie has been ranked the second fastest runner in the North West after competing in a 100m race at Trafford Athletics Club.

The talented 14-year-old finished the race in just 11.74 secs against tough competition from athletes in the U17s and U20s age groups.

Charlie’s success followed months of lockdown restrictions making it difficult for the Year 10 pupil to carry on with his training schedule.

But, the determined teen, who has already broken a school record, persevered and where possible took part in virtual training sessions over the internet to continue his progress.

Charlie only joined Blackpool Wyre and Fylde Athletics Club in 2017 and moved to his sprint coach, Sarah Parsons, in September 2018.

He took part in his first competitive event last year at the Lancashire County Championships where he qualified for the final of the 100m with a time of 12.6 secs and went on to come sixth in the final with a new personal best of 12.2 secs.

After that he was spurrd on to compete in the Mid Lancs League, running in Blackpool, Lancaster and Litherland.

He qualified for the Medal Meeting and picked up a silver medal in the 100m and a bronze in the 200m.

Charlie only started competing in indoor athletics events this year - including the 60m and 200m, getting personal bests in both events which placed him 31st in the 60m and 18th in the 200m, in the UK rankings at that time.

Charlie said: "I always go out on the track to do my best times and was really happy with my recent win and PB as I’d not really trained properly for it due to COVID-19.

"It was a really nice surprise. I’m very excited to imagine just how fast I could run with more training."

Mum Sarah added: " I am so proud of Charlie’s achievements. I knew that the little boy who wanted me to time him running to the top of the street would be fast but I never dreamed he’d do as well as he has.

"To see him make so much progress in the first 12 months of competing has been wonderful. I would love to see him represent his county."

Charlie's headteacher at Highfield Andrew Galbraith said: " Charlie is clearly a very talented athlete and has even broken a school sports day record for the 200m which had been held for 19 years.

"We are always pleased to hear about our pupils’ sporting achievements and Charlie’s commitment to his training during these difficult times has to be admired.

"Charlie really does represent the incredible spirit of our pupils. Throughout the pandemic and lockdown our pupils have looked for ways to continue on their journeys.

"I couldn’t be prouder of Charlie’s and all our pupils’ incredible achievements during these difficult times."