HIPPERHOLME Grammar School pupil, George Gillgrass, has had a summer to remember after being crowned an athletics champion, achieving nearly double the amount of points of his second-placed rival.

The talented teenager starred for Halifax Harriers in the U17 Men’s West Yorkshire Track and Field League, particularly impressing on the final day. He raced to second in the 100m and claimed first in javelin with a throw of over 28 metres.

The 16-year-old, who was selected to represent the ISA North team earlier this year, finished at the head of a 27-strong field on 65 points in total, with the league’s runner-up way behind on 38 points.

The Year 11 pupil, from Northowram, is proving to be one to watch in sport, after the Old Brodleians RUFC player was selected for the England Rugby Developing Players Programme in 2017.

Gillgrass has set his sights on progressing into the Junior Development Squad this season too.

“George showed so much commitment throughout his athletics league. He competed in every single event and gave it everything throughout,” said proud mum, Lindsey.

The specialist clinical research nurse went on: “He started athletics to bring on his rugby game but he absolutely loves both sports.

"He just has so much confidence while playing sport, I have loved watching him improve and am so proud of everything he’s achieved so far.”

As well as progressing his rugby ambitions and studying for his GCSEs, the teenager also wants to compete for a place in the English Schools’ Athletics Association.

Gillgrass is also a talented footballer and badminton player and Matt Crouchman, Hipperholme Grammar School’s Head of PE, said: “George is one of the most talented athletes I have ever had the pleasure of teaching over the past nine years.

"He is passionate, committed and incredibly modest too.”