World Event Performance Wins Extra Grant

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A schoolboy from Wincanton is celebrating after receiving a cash boost in recognition of his ninth place in the junior World Biathlon Championships in Dubai last month. Alexander Allen, 14, from Holbrook, battled 35 degree temperatures in the competition which involves a 500-metre run followed by a 100-metre swim and another 500-metre run.

The Millfield schoolboy was awarded a £1,000 Somerset Team 500 grant earlier this year to help with expenses. The awards are made to help potential competitors in the build-up to the London 2012 Olympic Games and beyond.

He backed up the faith shown in him this year by winning the South West England Biathlon Championships and finishing second in the National Biathlon Championships. He has been awarded an extra £250 to help out with the cost of attending the world championships.

Alan Gloak, founder and chairman of the Somerset Team 500 scheme, said: "Alex is a terrific prospect and the fact he was disappointed with a top ten finish in the world event shows how ambitious he is."

Article first published in the Western Gazette

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