An eight-year-old boy has smashed a sprinting record held for 11 years, running 75 meters in just 11.3 seconds.
Ellis Gentles, of South Woodford, East London, broke the event record time for under-9s at the Stockport Quadrathlon on Saturday (July 24).
His love of running started young and his Dad, Ritchie, would take him along on his morning exercise sessions around Gants Hill.
But after joining an athletics club in Edmonton, North London, Ellis caught the attention of famous GB sprinter Dwain Chambers who took him under his wing to mentor him.
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Sprint star Dwain Chambers and Ellis Gentles
His Mum, Dominique, said her son was a little nervous at the start of the race because it was his first time running on a track that had seen famous athletes.
But he soon more than found his feet and broke previous Northern region record of 11.4 seconds, held for 11 years.
“Ellis has worked so hard throughout both lockdowns,” she said.
“I am so proud of this achievement and grateful to the Dwain Chambers Performance Academy coaching team who support Ellis in being the best he can.
“The most important thing is that he has fun and enjoys his training!”
Speaking about his amazing achievement, Ellis said: “I am so happy with my result and being able to break and set a new record.
“It felt great winning and also receiving my winner’s medal and trophy. I am really looking forward to my next competition soon.
“I absolutely love running and I love athletics. The part I enjoy most is training with my friends and competing at events.”
The young athlete had big plans for the future and hope he will be representing the nation at world events.
He added: “My coach and I always work really hard to ensure I keep on improving as it is my dream to one day compete in the Olympics.
“My next goal is to break the European record for the fastest eight-year-old in the 75m and 150m.”
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Ritch, 35, praised his son’s focus and determination and said he was “absolutely ecstatic” with Ellis’ performance.
The amazing result wasn’t even a personal best for the young runner and he clocked 11.1 in a 75m race in Dagenham in the spring.
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