Runner secures place in national championships

ATHLETE Toby Osman is running for the region after securing the chance to compete at national level twice this season.

The sporty 14-year-old, of Winksley, near Ripon, only started running competitively on joining Ripon Grammar School but has quickly found himself representing Yorkshire in cross country.

He qualified for a place in the UK U15 championships held in Birmingham, then came in the top 30 in the U14s English championships at Donington Park in Leicestershire.

“I had trials at Harrogate and Craven then got to represent North Yorkshire. I came second in the North of England and that allowed me to compete in the English championships,” he explained.

Toby admits he started training seriously only recently, but now trains six days a week as he has set his sights on triathlons.

He has joined Yorkshire and Humberside Academy and is competing for them again early next month.

Toby, whose dad also competes in triathlons, added: “I enjoy cycling and swimming as well so triathlon gives me a chance to do all three, although running is my strength.”