Statement win by Westport running sensation Freya Renton in London
Twins Freya (left) and Holly Renton from Westport Athletic Club pictured after winning gold and bronze respectively in the Under 17 Home Countries and Celtic Nations Cross Country International in London on Saturday.
Prodigious Westport runner Freya Renton produced a statement performance with a sensational win in the Home Countries and Celtic Nations Cross Country International in London on Saturday afternoon.
Freya (15) blitzed the field not just in her under 17 category but also in the under 20 field. Both groups were sent out together over the 6km distance in Parliament Hill in London.
Freya was fully 43 seconds ahead of the field in the under 17 event but, amazingly, had 26 seconds to spare on the under 20 field, many of whom are four years older than her.
The Western People Sports Star Young Sportsperson award winner made light of difficult underfoot conditions to put in a dominant display from the outset, crossing the line in 23 minutes and 32 seconds. Only one other runner broke the 24 minute mark.
The prestigious event sees the best cross country runners from Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales compete and this is the first time Renton has had the opportunity to compete so far out of her age group.
Her twin sister Holly performed superbly also, finishing in 3rd in the Under 17 event and was fifth overall – her time was actually faster than the third girl home in the Under 20 event.
Today in London probably the finest result of Freya Renton’s career so far but there is no doubt more is to come.
The twins are aiming for the European Under 18 Cross Country championships in Serbia this December and on the basis of this performance, both can target that event with confidence.
