Student Adam Barber battled through gruelling, muddy conditions to claim the under 20s title at the Leicestershire & Rutland Cross Country Championship.
Adam, 17, studies a Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science at Loughborough College, and completed the 10k course in just over 37 minutes.
After clinching the title, Adam said: “During the first of the three laps, I noticed several extremely muddy sections and so I remembered to hold back some energy for the second and third laps.
“When I won, I felt as though all my training had paid off when I went through the finish line. Winning fuels my future ambitions and fills me with confidence for future races.”
Adam’s ambition is to compete at an international championship, then ultimately represent Team GB the Olympics.
Former Olympic medallist Martyn Rooney, who leads the College’s Athletics Academy, said: “Great to see Adam take on a challenging course and distance whilst still in heavy training. Bodes well for the rest of the XC season!”
Adam’s next big race is at the end of January when he competes in the Midlands Championships.