A NUMBER of young track and field stars have successfully secured qualification to a prestigious national competition.

No fewer than five young athletes from Rydal Penrhos Prep School in Colwyn Bay booked their place at the IAPS National Prep Schools’ Championships at the Alexander Arena in Birmingham thanks to their sterling performance at the Northern Regional heat, which took place in Manchester.

Year 6 pupil Freddie Barrington-Chance turned in a superb display in the U12 javelin event, securing first place in the standings thanks to a sensational 22.33-metre throw.

Joining him at the national finals is Cieran Milligan, who demonstrated his trademark pace to cross the line first in the U12 100-metre race, with Tristan Griffiths finishing top of the podium in the U12 hurdle final after a rousing display.

The incredible stamina of Freddie MacLaverty was once again evident on his way to gold in the U12 800m race, and the boys’ 100m relay team of Freddie BC, Freddie M, Cieran and Dominic Chamberlain achieving a notable triumph in a time of approximately one minute.

Another standout effort came from Shane Ayeni, who produced a sprinting masterclass to clinch the U11 title despite being a year below the required age bracket.

Narrowly missing out on qualification were Freya Berklay an, Theo Roberts and Dominic, who all finished second in the Shotput, Hurdles and 200m events.

Jamie McLeod, head of boys’ games at Rydal Penrhos Prep School, said: “This was an absolutely incredible performance from a group of young children who always seem to rise to the occasion on the big stage.

“Their willingness to succeed and drive each other on to bigger and better things has been evident throughout their time here at Rydal Penrhos, and we continue to punch well above our weight in a sporting environment on a consistent basis.”