FARNHAM Heath End School student, Woody Jerome, has scooped a gold medal in a national cross-country race and will now go on to represent England in an international athletics competition.

Thirteen-year-old Woody came first in the junior boys (under 15s) category at the ESAA National Cross Country Championship held in Leeds on Saturday, March 17.

Each of the 46 English counties sent eight runners to the English championships so Woody beat 367 other competitors to the top spot.

Incredibly, Woody only started running seriously a few months ago after being inspired when he won a race at school sports day. Through the school, he qualified to run for the country of Surrey in January. As he lives in Aldershot, he also runs for Hampshire. Since taking up cross-country seriously, Woody has been training hard five times a week.

On his rapid ascent to the top of his sport, Woody said: “I was extremely shocked but really pleased. I was hoping to come in the top eight in this race but I won it by nine seconds.”

Now with a place in the English team secured, he will go on to represent England in an international competition organised by the International Athletics Foundation.

Farnham Heath End principal, Stuart Maginnis, said: “Woody’s incredible achievement shows us all that if you have a talent and are prepared to put in some hard work, you can potentially excel and be the best. His meteoric rise to the top of this sport is an inspiration to us all. Well done Woody.”

Woody tasted further success on March 24, finishing an excellent sixth place in the SIAB Schools International athletics competition held in Nottingham.

He also secured second place finishes in the South East Schools’ Championships at Newbury Showground on February 3, and in the Surrey Schools’ Championships at Reigate on January 20.