YOUNG Forest of Dean sprint ace Richard Davenport is celebrating a brilliant performance in the European Youth Olympics held in Spain at which he won a silver medal.
Richard, aged 15, of Littledean, was competing against sprinters older than himself but pulled off an outstanding series of performances to run the 400m final in a new personal best time of 48.59 secs.
"It was a controlled and disciplined performance in which he displayed considerable maturity," said his coach David Farrow.
"It was more than we could possibly have hoped for. He was competing against athletes older than himself and a place in the final would have been regarded as outstanding. To achieve a medal placing is a mark of his ability," said David.
He said it had been a tremendous year for the King's School, Gloucester, sprinter.
Richard achieved a bronze in the English Schools Championships – again running against athletes older than himself.
He is already the 3As indoor champion at Under 17 level and holds the UK Under 15s record time.
Richard's next target will be scorching times in the 3As outdoor championships being held this month in Sheffield.
"He has entries in for the 200, 400 and 800 metres events. If the schedules allow, he may run in two," said David.
"It has been an outstanding year for Richard and he has another season in this age group before progressing to the junior mens group.
"To compete at this level requires dedication and commitment. There is a lot to balance including school work and enjoying a social life and he has been quite exceptional," said David.