Blue Coat cross country athlete Year 9 Sam helped England win a gold medal in his age group at the 2018 Home Countries and SIAB International  at Wollaton Hall in Nottingham on Saturday, 24 March. Sam set the pace for the first half of the Junior Boys’ race and ended up 9th overall – and the 6th England vest home – thereby contributing to the England Gold medal.

Sam qualified to represent England at the Home Countries match by finishing in the top eight in his race at the New Balance English Schools’ Cross Country Championships 2018, on March 17th. In sub-zero temperatures and very challenging conditions, Sam represented Berkshire in the junior race.  In a field of more than 350 runners, he excelled, finishing in 7th place, after what Blue Coat’s Head of Athletics Mr Cook described as “a fantastic run, full of great tactics and huge effort”.

“I am delighted for Sam, as he trains incredibly hard and was so determined to achieve an international vest”, Mr Cook said. “Saturday’s race was a true test of his ability and determination, which he passed with excellence. He is very much a team player and will be a wonderful inspiration to all at Blue Coat. It is a superb achievement to represent your country, and massive congratulations to him.”