Ripon teen crowned 400m champion at prestigious Northern Athletics Championships aiming for national glory
A Ripon Grammar School student, recently crowned North of England champion, is now setting his sights on a national title this summer.
Simon Bordewich struck gold in the Under 17 400m at the Northern Athletics Championships in Sheffield, achieving a new personal best time of 50.24.
The teenager, who represents Harrogate Harriers and previously held the English Schools 300m title, will vie for the national 400m crown this summer.
Injury prevented Simon, from Burton Leonard, from defending his title last year.
He said: “This is a step towards competing for the national title again.”
The 15-year-old, who first took up running as a youngster when he joined Parkrun at Fountains Abbey, trains three times a week at Leeds Beckett University and also plays rugby for Ripon Grammar School and Ripon Rugby Club.
Following his latest triumph, Simon was pleased to be on form so early in the year in a tough competition.
He said: “I had to beat the defending U17 400m indoor champion and some strong newcomers over heats, a semi-final and final all on the same day.”