A YOUNG Aston Fields athlete is preparing to represent his country after being selected in the England Cross Country squad.
Christian Booker, aged 12, has been named in the U13s team due to compete in Dublin at the end of March.
The talented runner, a pupil at Aston Fields Middle School, in Drummond Road, competes at year nine level although he is a year below.
And now his ability has attracted the interest of the national scouts. Christian, of Barnt Green, is already the national and Midlands cross country champion at U13s level, a distinction he also holds as county and district champion.
He is also useful over shorter distances, having last year recorded the fastest time over 800m to make him the quickest in the country.
In the space of 72 hours last June, Chistian smashed the UK record for his age group twice - taking four seconds off the time.
In addition, the sporty star, who runs for Halesowen Harriers, plays football for Birmingham City's youngsters.
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