A record-breaking 15-year-old Ealing athlete who became the youngest competitor at this year’s Senior UK Athletics Championships is among 32 local athletes selected for a national talent development scheme.
Leila Newth, who trains at Perivale Park Athletics Track, won bronze in the triple jump at the championships in Birmingham after already claiming gold in both the long jump and triple jump at the England Athletics indoor age group championships earlier this year.
The under-17 athlete also broke the championship record and is currently ranked number one in the UK in both events for her age group.
Leila is one of 32 athletes from Ealing chosen for Everyone Active’s Sporting Champions scheme, which provides free access to leisure facilities alongside mentoring from Olympic and Paralympic medallists, world champions and Commonwealth champions.
She said: “Being able to use the track and gym more frequently has improved my motivation and determination.”
Also selected is 15-year-old cricketer and footballer Lana Gandhi, who trains at Acton Centre and recently represented Middlesex Under-18s in the Vitality T20 County Club Final.
Phil Edwards, contract manager for Everyone Active, said: “Leila and Lana are fantastic examples of the exceptional talent in this borough.”
The scheme, now celebrating its 10th anniversary, has supported more than 6,000 athletes nationwide.
