Teenager leaps into championship place (From Barry And District News)

Teenager leaps into championship place

A TEENAGER has been picked to represent Wales in the British Schools Athletics Championship in Ireland.

Dean Harrhy, of Norwood Crescent, won the Welsh School Championships high jump in Brecon last weekend against representatives from eight other counties, and was automatically picked for the British Championships.

The 16-year-old only learnt the discipline a year ago, but has been given the chance to compete against the best in Britain.

He said: "It was on my last jump that I managed to take the title. I knew the competitor before me had taken all his jumps so it was up to me.

"I won it with a jump of 1.78m."

The St Richard Gwyn pupil is dedicated to his sport and trains three or four times a week.

His dad Glynn said: "I have been taking him to UWIC for training a few days a week so he can use the good facilities there.

"I will help him to improve, but I think the council and athletics association should help young athletes like Dean.

"He hasn"t been training as much in the past few weeks because he needed to concentrate on his GCSEs.

"I used to play rugby and I was quite good, but I didn"t carry on playing. I started work and gave it all up because my mates were earning money and going out."

Dean said: "I am very grateful to my coach John of Barry Harriers who has been training me at Jenner Park."

Next year Dean has a place at St David"s College in Cardiff and he wants to start training more intensively to become the best he can at his sport.

*Anyone who would like to sponsor Dean to help him fulfill his potential should contact Glynn Harrhy on 01446 403891.