Richmond School boy Adam Walker will represent the North East in the UK School Games later this month at 400m.
He recently competed in the English Schools Athletics Championships flying the flag for North Yorkshire and his personal best of 51.6 seconds places him in the top 40 with more to come.
The 16-year-old member of Richmond and Zetland Harriers took up running when he was just 11 and is developing into one of the country’s best sprinters.
His GCSE results of A*, five As and four Bs will see him stay on at Richmond School and Sixth Form College to study A Levels in maths, business, PE and psychology.
“I’ve always enjoyed running but the London and Rio Olympics have really inspired me particularly when you see Yorkshire and North East athletes doing so well,” he said.
“I’m looking to study some sort of sports-related degree and will continue working hard on my running to see how far I can go.”
Headmaster Ian Robertson said: “It is clear that Adam commits, whether that it is to his sport or his studies. We are delighted he has done so well and thrilled that we will be able to see him develop further in our sixth form both academically and on the track.”
Friends since primary school Fran Sale, Eleanor Seddon and Rebekah Jones were all celebrating yesterday after securing almost 30 A*s/As between them.
All former pupils at nearby Middleton Tyas Primary School, the 16-year-olds have maintained their friendships throughout their time at Richmond School.
Eleanor, who secured 10A*s and an A, said: “It is great for our little village that we have all done so well. It doesn’t seem that long ago since we were starting at Middleton Tyas Primary School and here we are collecting our GCSEs.”
Another student from a neighbouring village was also celebrating success. Isabel Jury, of Melsonby, achieved 11 A*s.