Talented teen Scarlett Williams ends season in style

The 13-year-old found herself competing at under-15 level, but saw off tough competition in Liverpool to land fifth place and cap a triumphant campaign.

It would have seen Scarlett represent England at the World Schools Cross Country Championships, but that dream will have to wait amid the coronavirus outbreak.

In spite of that setback, it has been a very successful campaign for the talented teenager.

Primarily a triathlete, Scarlett has embraced cross country and finishes the season with five medals.

Earlier in the month, she fought off over 350 runners to claim third in the under-13 English National Cross Country Championships in Nottingham.

And prior to that event, the Cheslyn High pupil collected a third-placed gong at the British Athletics Cross Challenge Series and finished fourth in the UK Counties Cross Country Championships.

The switch from triathlon to cross country has been seamless and her father, Damien, admitted that even he is surprised by the scale of his daughter’s recent triumphs.

“It has been a challenge for Scarlett to switch back to run only events,” he said.

“But it is a challenge that she has embraced, and she has been rewarded with five national medals this season.

“We weren’t really expecting as much from the running season, but she has done really well.

“She loves to run. It’s always been her favourite discipline, but triathlon took over last year and as she gets older she will compete in more events.

“Scarlett came straight off the back of the triathlon season so her success wasn’t entirely expected, but she is actually running the best she has done for a couple of years.”

But Scarlett hasn’t only enjoyed individual honours, she also scooped a bronze medal in the under-13 team event in Nottingham, alongside Zena Asbury, Isobelle Jones, Rosie Kind and Ava Kind.

The quartet all herald from Wolverhampton and Bilston Athletics Club, a club which is bringing the best out of Scarlett, according to her father.

“At her club, she has been training alongside some very talented runners similar to her level,” he said.

“Scarlett has clearly benefited from training and racing with such a fantastic group of athletes.

“The area is really booming in terms of young runners. The events and the kids Scarlett has been able to race against, has helped her a lot.”

But although delighted by his daughter’s exploits, Damien still maintains that her happiness remains the priority and takes more joy in seeing Scarlett shine at something she loves.

“She would race every week if she could, she just loves to race,” he said.

“Scarlett loves to race in big events and has consistently shown that she is one of the best athletes in the country.

“The big thing for us has always been that she has enjoyed it. We are happy that Scarlett has found something she has a passion for.”