A TALENTED runner has stepped up his game after being selected to train with the country’s elite.
Richmond School and Sixth Form College student Charlie Stephenson has become one of the youngest athletes to qualify to join the British Super Series, comprising the best triathletes in the country.
The selection follows Charlie’s recent success at the English Schools’ Cross Country Championships where he was placed 24th from a field of 350 competitors.
The 14-year-old, of Richmond, is following in the footsteps of his brother Jake, another Richmond School student, who has enjoyed considerable success running long distance nationally.
Charlie is now ranked in the top 50 triathletes for his age in the country following an assessment at Loughborough University.
A member of the Richmond and Zetland Harriers, he trains every day including swimming three times a week, cycling four days and running five.
He said: “I am really pleased with my running at the moment. It was the first time I had competed at English Schools and I am looking forward to training with the British Super Series.”
Richmond School and Sixth Form College’s head of sport Tony Potter said: “Charlie and Jake are committed runners and richly deserve the success and recognition they are currently enjoying.
“The county and our school have enviable reputations for producing elite sportsmen and the Stephenson brothers are a prime example of what can be achieved with the right mindset and support.”